Pelican Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. DNR lake ID 56078600.
Pelican Lake is a 3,962-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. Its deepest point reaches 55 ft, and about 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie.
Buying or selling on 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 | 56078600 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Pelican Rapids |
| Surface area | 3,962 acres |
| Maximum depth | 55 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 41% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.3 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 16.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 16.3 ft, phosphorus 16.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Pelican Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Pelican Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 15.53 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.8 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.07 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 37.33 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.0 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.4 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.2 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.8 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 16.6 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.13 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 2.13 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 2.2 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.2 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.13 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.73 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 3.4 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 4.27 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 5.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 34.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2021), Muskellunge 50.0 in (2021), Walleye 25.0 in (2021), Smallmouth bass 19.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
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: zebra mussel (listed 2009).
Public boat access
- Pelican Lake (W): 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 20 trailer spaces. 8 mi N of the city of Pelican Rapids on Cnty Rd 9 to SW shore. Directions
- Pelican Lake (E): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 20 trailer spaces. 3 mi E of Dunvilla on US Hwy 59, then 1.75 mi N on Cnty Rd 31 to E shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Around the lake
Waterfront dining: Zorbaz, pelican Lake location; boaters can tie up at the dock for lunch or dinner.
Nearby lakes
- Bass Lake 1.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Fish Lake 1.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Little Pelican Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Eunice Lake 3.7 mi, Becker County
- Tamarac Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lizzie (north portion) Lake 3.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Maud Lake 3.9 mi, Becker County
- Ida Lake 4.3 mi, Becker County
Questions about Pelican Lake
How deep is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake reaches a maximum depth of 55 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake covers about 3,962 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Pelican Lake?
Summer water clarity on Pelican Lake averages 16.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Pelican Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Pelican Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Pelican Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish in Pelican Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Pelican Lake (W); Pelican Lake (E).
How is the walleye population on Pelican Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1999 to 2021, walleye numbers on Pelican Lake ran mostly above the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Pelican Lake?
Homes on 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 Pelican Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Pelican Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 41% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Pelican Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Pelican Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about 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 2021), 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.