Pelican Lake Fishing Guide, Codington County, South Dakota

• Overview

  Pelican Lake lies within the bounds of Codington County, South Dakota. The ground around here is rolling bush. At roughly 4.4 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. The perimeter runs near 11 miles, so plan the walk before you start. Few waters listed in Codington County are bigger. The nearest place of any size is Watertown, 3.8 miles away. For a city, Sioux Falls is 94 miles off. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Pelican Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Open biodiversity records for Codington County list Iowa darter, green sunfish, white sucker and northern pike. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Fish Pelican Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 11°F in January up to 72°F in July. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Look for the thaw near early April; the fishing lifts straight after. Averages place the thaw at early April and the freeze at late November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Time your trip to Pelican Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Lake Kampeska at 4.4 miles is the sensible second choice. None of that is settled for Pelican Lake in what we hold.