Fishing Pelican Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Pelican Lake lies in Otter Tail County, in Minnesota. The water sits 1,312 feet up. At 6.0 sq miles you are fishing a fraction of it whatever you do. The bank runs about 20 miles in total, split between open shore and sheltered corners. Size puts it in the front rank of our Otter Tail County list. Nearest place of any size is Pelican Rapids, 9.4 miles away. It is 39 miles to Fargo, the nearest city. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Pelican Lake

  The basin has been measured to about 70 feet. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Otter Tail County records list largemouth bass, black crappie and walleye among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. At Pelican Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 5°F and July at about 69°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid April. The season between ice runs from about mid April to late November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. The season on Pelican Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. It is an impounded water, so levels are managed and can shift through the year. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Duck Lake, 3 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the current arrangement for Pelican Lake.