Pelican Lake in St. Louis County is part of the North Central Zone for Minnesota fishing regulations. This means that the general fishing restrictions set in place for the North Central Zone will apply to fishing on Pelican Lake with exceptions for largemouth and smallmouth bass.
When fishing on Pelican Lake, all bass catches between 14-20” must be immediately released. You may keep largemouth and smallmouth bass over 20,” but you may only have one in your possession. This all is according to the 2022 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Fishing Regulations.
Continue reading for more information on the 2022 Minnesota fishing season regulations and how they affect Pelican Lake fishing.
Pelican Lake Fishing Regulations – Minnesota, North Central Zone
Other than the special restrictions for bass, the rest of the general MN DNR North Central Zone regulations will apply when fishing on Pelican Lake, which falls just west of the Northeast – North Central Zone border which is US highway 53. We’ll review walleye and pike in this section.
How Many Walleyes Can I Keep in Minnesota in 2022?
On Pelican Lake, and on most Minnesota lakes, you can keep six total walleye but only one of those six may be more than 20.” If you’re not inquiring about Pelican Lake, you’ll want to check to see if your lake has special restrictions this year. Mille Lacs Lake, for example, varies more than usual lakes in its regulations from year to year.
How Many Pike Can I Keep in Minnesota in 2022?
Licensed fishermen in the North Central Zone (this includes Pelican lake) are allowed a limit of 10 individuals. However, this limit includes not more than two northern pikes over 26” and you must release all pikes between 22-26”.
The Northeast Zone is restricted to a maximum of two Northern Pikes, and not more than one of them should be over 40.” All Northern Pike between 30-40” must be released immediately.
When Does Minnesota Fishing Season Start in 2022?
Note the following dates for fishing season categories in Minnesota:
Walleye, Bass, and Pike Minnesota Fishing Openers
Minnesota fishing season for walleye, bass, and pike starts on May 14.
The 2022 Minnesota fishing season for walleye, pike, and bass ends on February 26th, 2023
Crappie & Sunfish Fishing Seasons in Minnesota
These fish in Minnesota are in-season continuously. Their possession limits for 2022 are as follows:
- Crappie: 10 combined total
- Sunfish: 20 combined total
- Rock Bass: 30 combined total.
Do I Need a Fishing License in Minnesota?
All Minnesota residents between ages 16 and 89 must have a current fishing license issued by the state of Minnesota. You must have this license with you when fishing and when traveling from your fishing spot.
You don’t need a Minnesota fishing license if you’re an enlisted U.S. Armed Forces resident who is currently serving outside the state, currently home on leave. But you’ll need to have your furlough papers with you.
Additionally, you don’t need a Minnesota fishing license if you’ve served federal active service outside the country during the preceding two years and have been recently discharged. You’ll need the appropriate discharge paperwork with you for proof.
What if I’m just helping my child learn to fish?
Per Minnesota fishing regulations, you don’t need a license if you’re simply helping a child under 16 years learn to fish. However, the child must be the one holding the rod, setting the hook, and reeling in the fish.
Plan Your Minnesota Fishing Resort Getaway With Birch Forest Lodge
Birch Forest Lodge is a small, family-run cabin resort on beautiful Pelican Lake. Guests every year come to enjoy the friendly atmosphere, fresh air, and great fishing. Each of our cabins has a full kitchen and bathrooms with showers. We also have access to a network of great fishing guides, and we’re just a few minutes from some of the best dining options the area has to offer!
Curious about booking? You can check availability online or give us a call to learn more.