Pelican Lake
About Pelican Lake
Pelican Lake is a 291-acre lake near Saint Anna in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 46 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 17 feet, and has roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 7, based on 54 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pelican Lake
- 291 acres, up to 46 feet deep, near Saint Anna
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 14.8 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 291 acres
- Max depth
- 46 ft
- Average depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 135 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 7
- Years of record
- 54
- Earliest
- March 7, 2024
- Latest
- May 3, 2018
- Most recent
- April 4, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pelican Lake
Compare Pelican Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Pine Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Saint Anna108 acres
1.1 miles away
Two Rivers Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Holdingford583 acres
2.5 miles away
Lower Spunk Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon179 acres
2.8 miles away
Ochotto Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon40 acres
3 miles away
Middle Spunk Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon236 acres
3.4 miles away
Linneman Lake
20 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon110 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Saint Anna. It covers 291 acres and reaches 46 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake covers 291 acres with about 3.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 46 feet and its average depth is about 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pelican Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Pelican Lake?
Yes. Pelican Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pelican Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pelican Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Pelican Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pelican Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Pelican Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 7, from 54 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2024 and the latest is May 3, 2018.