The Fish and Wildlife Committee works to improve the overall fishery on Pelican Lake and to guide its long-term management, working alongside the Wisconsin DNR on surveys, stocking and habitat.
Committee Chair
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Scott Sankey
Questions for the Committee? Email fish@pelicanlakeassociation.org.
The Fishery
The Wisconsin DNR rates Pelican Lake’s fishery as above average. A 2024 fall electrofishing survey run by the DNR in partnership with the Mole Lake Tribe found a strong walleye reproduction year, with bass, northern pike and musky all in good condition and the lake’s forage base in excellent shape. Large fingerling muskies were last stocked in 2024, and the lake stays on a three-year stocking cycle. New fishing regulations took effect with the May 2026 season — check the DNR link below for current rules before you fish.
Musky Tagging
Now in its third year, the PIT tag reader program puts scanners in the hands of anglers who fish Pelican Lake regularly. In 2025 committee members scanned 73 muskies and a local guide contributed scans of another 80, and the data goes to the DNR fisheries biologist for the lake — it feeds directly into the population estimates that shape how Pelican Lake is managed. We are still looking for a few more anglers willing to carry a reader.
DNR Resources
- Pelican Lake page, Wisconsin DNR — surveys, water quality data and lake characteristics
- Fishing regulations for Pelican Lake — always check the current DNR pamphlet before you fish