Pelican Lake

Pelican Lake near 45.2293, -93.7614 is a lake in Wright County, Minnesota. Pelican Lake covers about 3,513 acres, reaches a recorded 13 feet and holds about 19,877 acre-feet.

How the Size and Shape of Pelican Lake Affect Fishing

Pelican Lake is too large to fish all at once, so pick one group of coves and points and stay there long enough to learn what the fish are using.

Fish and Baits at Pelican Lake

Fish reported from Pelican Lake include black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch.

Bass

For bass at Pelican Lake, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.

Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish

For panfish at Pelican Lake, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye

For roaming fish at Pelican Lake, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Pelican Lake, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

How the Seasons Change Pelican Lake

Spring at Pelican Lake is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall at Pelican Lake can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Pelican Lake

On a first trip to Pelican Lake, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Useful Tackle for Pelican Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Pelican Lake, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Pelican Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 3,513-acre Pelican Lake?

At Pelican Lake, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 13-foot deep end of Pelican Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Pelican Lake is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

What does the 19,877 acre-foot storage figure mean at Pelican Lake?

At Pelican Lake, it shows that a lot of the water sits away from the bank and around the old channel or deep end.