Ready to take your angling adventures to the next level?
Explore Birch Forest Lodge—a full-service Minnesota fishing resort located on the shimmering waters of Pelican Lake. With boat rentals, fishing guides, and over 11,000 acres of water, our resort offers all the tools you’ll need for an unforgettable fishing vacation in the Upper Midwest.
Pelican Lake is home to many fish species, from sizable smallmouth bass to elusive walleye. Much of the lake is less than 15 feet deep and littered with islands, creating a thriving ecosystem for its water-bound wildlife and many fish species.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the fish you’ll find during your stay at Birch Forest Lodge:
You can find out more about the best places and times to find each below.
These freshwater fish are a great way to test your angling skills. The average walleye catch at Pelican Lake is over 20 inches long; many fishermen find walleye 30 inches or longer every summer.
We see them most commonly caught in late May, early June, and September when the water is colder. Be prepared to drift or troll for them.
Drawn in by its rocky areas and sandy bottoms, the smallmouth bass thrives in the waters of Pelican Lake. These game fish bite throughout the year, especially when the lake is calm and quiet. Smallmouth bass are most often around rock piles.
Slot limits protect both smallmouth and largemouth bass. All bass from 14 to 20 inches must be released back into the lake at the boat to protect the breeding-size bass.
With this in mind, catching 3 to 4-pound bass is common.
Largemouth bass are some of the more common fish on Pelican Lake. Similar to smallmouth bass, they are fierce fighters, making them a perfect choice for catch-and-release anglers.
Largemouth bass are often near big patches of weeds and other shallow covers. The best time to find them is in July and August.
You’ll spot plenty of northern pike while angling Pelican Lake, particularly when the water is cooler. Larger pike prefer the shallow weeds during spawning season.
Pelican Lake is well known for its panfish, ranging from tasty bluegill to delicious crappie. Many guests fish for panfish off the resort’s dock or by one of the many reefs near the lake’s islands.
As a full-service Minnesota fishing resort, Birch Forest Lodge offers a wide range of boat rentals to support your angling adventure. From sleek pleasure craft to deluxe fishing boats, there’s no shortage of high-quality options to conquer the waters of Pelican Lake.
Our most popular choice – a 20-foot Manitou Pontoon – is excellent for fishers and families alike. We also have a range of free, non-motorized boats, canoes, and kayaks for guests. No matter how you prefer to cruise, Birch Forest Lodge has the right craft for you.
At Birch Forest Lodge, we’re committed to making your fishing vacation as safe, simple, and exciting as possible. We provide various services to support your angling excursions, including the expertise of seasoned fishing guides and reports.
Our guides have been helping guests find the best spots on Pelican Lake for years.
You can count on the fishing guides at Birch Forest Lodge for tips on the lake’s best fishing techniques, baits, and casting spots. Check out some fishing guide services below.
The guides at Birch Forest Lodge have spent years catching every manner of fish across Pelican Lake. If you’re looking for a crash course on how to fish Northern Minnesota, connecting with one of these fishing experts is the perfect place to start.
No matter your experience level, don’t hesitate to ask for advice! From the best spots to bait to angling techniques, our guides can give you detailed info on strategies for a successful catch. There is no better investment for your future summers of fishing on Pelican Lake than hiring a guide!
These expert fishermen want you to have the best experience possible during your stay, taking all the stress out of your fishing sessions.
Our guides’ know-how is especially great for novice anglers and families with new or young fishers. Your guide can help the members of your party select rods and reels, apply bait to their hook, and learn how to cast out and reel in correctly. They can also help pull in fish who fight back, so you won’t have to worry about losing the perfect catch.
Even if you aren’t interested in hiring a local fishing guide, the lodge’s owner – Adam – is happy to sit and talk with any guest. He is always willing to look over a lake map, talk about lures and rods, or hear your fishing story!
Have questions on how to clean your fish after a great catch on the lake? Your guide has you covered. As one of the premier fishing resorts in Northern Minnesota, our Pelican Lake resort provides an on-site fish cleaning station.
There’s nothing more rewarding than tasting a freshly cooked fish you caught yourself! While cleaning a fish might look challenging, it’s easy to learn. We offer a quick guide on how to clean a fish, and you can always connect with us for advice on how to safely and quickly clean fish.
Birch Forest Lodge provides a great fishing resort package for fall visitors. Our Fall Fishing Special takes place from September 2nd through September 30th at just $59 per night, per person. This deal is available for all of our beautiful, well-kept cabins—and works perfectly for large parties. Enjoy the fantastic fishing at Birch Forest Lodge this September!
We offer fantastic packages on our cabins throughout the year, including discounted cabin and boat packages for the May Fishing Opener. Check out the complete list of fishing packages and specials.
