Little Pelican Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. DNR lake ID 56076100.
Little Pelican Lake is a 366.1-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vergas. Its deepest point reaches 25 ft, and about 70% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for flowering rush, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Little Pelican Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56076100 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Vergas |
| Surface area | 366.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 25 ft |
| Mean depth | 10.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 70% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 20.1 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | flowering rush, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 11.4 ft, phosphorus 20.1 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Little Pelican Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Little Pelican Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1999 (27 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 2.56 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 12.11 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 13.67 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.22 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.11 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.78 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 48.78 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.11 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.56 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 7.56 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.11 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.44 | 0.4 to 1.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 6.22 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 11.0 in (1999), Walleye 25.0 in (1999), Northern pike 33.0 in (1999).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Black crappie, Bluegill.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: flowering rush (listed 2021), zebra mussel (listed 2009).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Holbrook Lake 1.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Buck Lake 1.6 mi, Becker County
- Hand Lake 2.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Eunice Lake 2.4 mi, Becker County
- Mill Lake 2.5 mi, Becker County
- Sauer Lake 3.2 mi, Becker County
- Maud Lake 3.3 mi, Becker County
- Bass Lake 3.4 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Little Pelican Lake
How deep is Little Pelican Lake?
Little Pelican Lake reaches a maximum depth of 25 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 70% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Pelican Lake?
Little Pelican Lake covers about 366.1 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Pelican Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Pelican Lake averages 11.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Little Pelican Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Little Pelican Lake for flowering rush, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Little Pelican Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document black crappie, bluegill in Little Pelican Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 1999.
Are there lake homes for sale on Little Pelican Lake?
Homes on Little Pelican Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Little Pelican Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Pelican Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 70% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Pelican Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Little Pelican Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Little Pelican Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 1999), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.