Fishing at Pelican, Minnesota
291-acre lake · Stearns County · 2 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Pelican is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Stearns County. At 291 acres, it offers small lake fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Pelican:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 931 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 25 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 356 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 3,500 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 4,080 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2020 | 🐟 Walleye | 2,085 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 3,080 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Walleye | 2,097 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2016 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 994 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2016 | 🐟 Walleye | 4,050 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Pelican, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
Best Time to Fish Pelican
For walleye, the best fishing on Pelican is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Pelican:
- Two River Lake — 2.3 mi (556 ac)
- Two Rivers — 2.5 mi (583 ac)
- Lower Spunk — 2.8 mi (179 ac)
- Lower Spunk Lake — 2.9 mi (149 ac)
- Middle Spunk Lake — 3.4 mi (217 ac)
- Middle Spunk — 3.4 mi (236 ac)
- Big Spunk — 4.3 mi (415 ac)
- Upper Spunk Lake — 4.3 mi (408 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Pelican. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Pelican?
Pelican has been stocked with Walleye, Black Crappie.
When was Pelican last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 931 walleye were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Pelican?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.