Walleye fishing at Pelican

Spring walleye on Pelican hold shallow, usually 4 to 15 ft. They move out to 15 to 35 ft in summer and finish the year down in 11 to 35 ft. Put Break off the point first on the milk run — a drop-off near 12 ft that grades prime for fall. The feeding windows run the evening and early morning. The summer box starts with a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled).

Yellow Perch fishing at Pelican

Early season yellow perch use the shallows, holding in 3 to 12 ft. Expect a summer slide to 10 to 30 ft, then a winter hold in 15 to 35 ft. Put Weed flat first on the milk run — a weed flat near 6 ft that grades prime for spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. Tie on a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm and you're in the game.

Northern Pike fishing at Pelican

In spring, northern pike run shallow here, mostly 2 to 8 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 8 to 20 ft, and winter fish settle into 5 to 15 ft. Weed flat is the standout, a weed flat at roughly 6 ft, rated prime for spring northern pike. Time it for early morning and the evening. You won't need more than a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage most summer days.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Pelican

In spring, smallmouth bass run shallow here, mostly 3 to 12 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 10 to 30 ft, and winter fish settle into 11 to 35 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 12 ft, rated prime for winter smallmouth bass. Time it for early morning and the evening. You won't need more than a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig most summer days.

Largemouth Bass fishing at Pelican

Spring puts largemouth bass in skinny water — 2 to 10 ft is the zone. As the season builds they drop to 8 to 20 ft, wintering in 15 to 35 ft. Spring largemouth bass concentrate at Weed flat, a prime-rated weed flat around 6 ft. Warm-month bites cluster around early morning and the evening. A texas-rigged 10" worm or a deep-diving crankbait covers the summer program.

Rock Bass fishing at Pelican

Come spring, look for rock bass tight to the bank in 2 to 10 ft. Expect a summer slide to 5 to 20 ft, then a winter hold in 12 to 30 ft. Start at Shoreline point. It's a point holding about 5 ft of water and rates prime come summer. Prime time lands in the evening. A ned rig (small) or a marabou jig is the honest summer answer here.

How deep is Pelican?

Pelican is about 35 ft (11 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Minnesota DNR survey of 1960, a decades-old survey (the DNR's original lake-survey map).

What fish are in Pelican?

Anglers target walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed on Pelican.

Where is the best fishing spot on Pelican?

Break off the point is the top-rated area: a drop-off in about 12 ft of water that rates prime for walleye in fall. The interactive chart above rates every spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Pelican?

For walleye, the summer bite is best in the evening and early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.

Is Pelican stocked with fish?

Yes — per Minnesota DNR LakeFinder stocking reports records, Pelican was most recently stocked 2025 with 3,000,000 walleye (fry). The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for Pelican?

Fishing on Pelican is regulated by the Minnesota DNR. Check the official Minnesota regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.