Fishing Pelican Lake

AKA: Pelican Lake in Otter Tail County

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Pelican Lake in Minnesota.

Just one of over a hundred lakes in the immediate area, Pelican Lake stands out for great fishing and recreation. This 4,000-acre lake is located in the western part of the state, at Clear View, with easy access off US Highway 59.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Video

Pelican Lake, located in north-central Minnesota, is a popular fishing destination known for its diverse fish species and excellent angling opportunities. Spanning over 8,000 acres, this picturesque lake attracts anglers of all skill levels seeking to reel in some of Minnesota's most sought-after fish.

Walleye fishing on Pelican Lake is a major draw for anglers. The lake's structure, including points, drop-offs, and weed beds, provides ideal habitats for walleye. Anglers can employ a variety of techniques such as trolling with crankbaits, jigging, or rigging with live bait to entice these prized fish. Pelican Lake offers a chance to land quality-sized walleye and promises thrilling angling experiences.

Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in Pelican Lake, adding to the excitement for bass enthusiasts. The lake's diverse shoreline, rocky structures, and submerged vegetation create perfect habitats for these predatory fish. Anglers can use a range of techniques such as topwater lures, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics to target bass. Whether you prefer the aggression of largemouth or the acrobatics of smallmouth, Pelican Lake offers ample opportunities for a memorable bass fishing adventure.

Northern pike are another prized species in Pelican Lake, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. These toothy predators are abundant in the lake and can be found near weed beds, shallow bays, and points. Anglers can use large spoons, swimbaits, or live bait to entice pike. Pelican Lake is an excellent destination for those seeking the thrill of catching these ferocious fish.

Yellow perch, bluegill, and black crappie are popular panfish species in Pelican Lake. These fish can be found near weed edges, drop-offs, and other structures. Anglers can enjoy targeting panfish using small jigs or live bait presentations. Whether you're after a mess of tasty perch, a stringer of bluegill, or the challenge of finding slab-sized crappie, Pelican Lake provides a rewarding panfish angling experience.

With its variety of popular fish species, excellent fishing opportunities, and recreational amenities, Pelican Lake is a premier fishing destination in Minnesota. Whether you're targeting walleye, bass, pike, perch, panfish, or simply enjoying a day on the water, Pelican Lake offers a memorable fishing experience in a serene and picturesque setting.

Bass anglers will enjoy exploring over fifty miles of shoreline. The lake has healthy populations of bass, crappie, walleye, perch, pike and sunfish, all caught with regularity throughout the season. Ice fishing is generally good for walleye, perch, crappie and bluegill. Boating access is via Pelican Lake Launch, located on the east end of the lake, off E Pelican Lake Road.

Primary fish species residing in Pelican Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Pelican Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Pelican Lake, with several access points and a public boat ramp available for anglers to launch their watercraft. The lake's expansive waters allow for leisurely cruises and exploration of its scenic shoreline. Camping facilities near the lake offer opportunities for anglers to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Umotors Pelican Lake
Rentals: Pontoon boats
218 532-2222

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Pelican Lake Public Access - East Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off County Road 31, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Pelican Lake Public Access - West Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off S Pelican Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.