Ice Fishing Near Pelican Rapids, MN

Otter Tail County remains one of the best locations for fishing in the entire state. We see droves of anglers come to our little corner of Lakes Country due to the number of high quality lakes near Pelican Rapids.

If you are looking to try your luck ice fishing near Pelican Rapids, MN, here is some information that may help you be more successful.

Where to Fish

Generally speaking, the bodies of water where you would find a specific species of fish like pike or walleye don’t change much during the winter in Otter Tail County. If you are looking for a leg up on where to cast your hook, you can download our travel guide to learn more about which lakes contain the fish you are looking for.

However, Lake Lida tends to be the most popular ice fishing destination nearby Pelican Rapids. Its size combined with both the vast quantity of fish and the consistently thick layers of ice that develop make this lake a local favorite.

In fact, Hillbillies Vittles and Brew often puts a bar out onto the ice of the north side of Lake Lida. The “Hillbillies Ice Hole" is a full service bar that allows guests to enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails while ice fishing around the edges through holes cut into the floor.

What to Bring

Despite what you might hear online or from others, ice fishing doesn’t have to be expensive, nor do you need a mountain of gear to be successful. 

Here is the bare minimum gear you need to bring to have a good time:

• Drilling auger (6 inches does just fine, unless you are trying for a big fish like northern pike)
• Slush scoop
• Rods/reels/lures/ live bait
• Tip ups with line
• Tackle assortment
• Warm clothes
• Waterproof boots
• Something to sit on

In addition, many ice fishers will bring along a pop-up fishing shelter that allows for greater comfort while waiting for the fish to bite.

Layer Up Wisely

No one has a good time ice fishing while they are freezing.

If you are looking to go out onto the ice this winter, be sure to dress in warm layers. Throughout the day, you should expect to put on clothing, not wearing all of your layers until you are ready to settle down to fish.

This is still important if you are fishing with a shelter as layers will make it easier for you to be comfortable with the ability to put on and take off layers as you see fit.

Bring Regulations and Licenses With You

When you head out to go ice fishing, it’s a good idea to bring your fishing license as well as a copy of the current fishing regulations with you. The regulations especially can be helpful as you can reference them to ensure that what you catch and keep is legal.

An online copy of the current fishing regulations is available at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Website

Hire an Expert

If you want the best chances at success, we’d highly suggest hiring a fishing guide. An experienced guide will not only know all of the best spots to fish, but can also teach you more about how to be successful while ice fishing.

If you are looking for a guide in Otter Tail County and are looking to catch crappie or bluegill, we highly recommend Cody Hill from CHill Guide Service. With over 30 years of experience fishing all of the lakes in the county, he’ll be able to teach you both the how and why behind the techniques necessary for a successful ice fishing outing.