The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Pelican Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota · about 4,050 acres (6.3 sq mi)
43°F water, calm this morning.
About Pelican Lake
In Otter Tail County, Minnesota, Pelican Lake covers about 4,050 acres.
It stretches about 5.8 miles end to end with roughly 20 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,320 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Pelican Rapids, is about 7.6 miles south. The closest city is Fargo, about 36 miles away.
- Size
- About 4,050 acres (6.3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 20 miles
- End to end
- About 5.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,320 ft
- County
- Otter Tail County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 9 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 mph
Sunday Fair
- 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Lakes like Pelican Lake in Minnesota usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 43°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:24 am · sunset 4:52 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Pelican Lake
- Pelican Rapidsabout 7.6 mi south
- Detroit Lakesabout 9.2 mi northeast
- Frazeeabout 12 mi east
- Hawleyabout 16 mi northwest
- Fargonearest city, about 36 mi west
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Questions about Pelican Lake
What fish are in Pelican Lake?
Lakes like Pelican Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Pelican Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Pelican Lake?
About 4,050 acres, with about 20 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Pelican Lake?
Pelican Rapids is about 7.6 miles south; Detroit Lakes is about 9.2 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Pelican Lake today?
The surface was about 43°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Pelican Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
