What You'll Find on the Pelican River

The Pelican River in Oneida County flows roughly 40 miles from its headwaters near Rhinelander south toward the Wisconsin River. It's a warm-water system known for walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass, with scattered populations of panfish. The river moves slowly through mixed forest and wetland, creating the kind of habitat that holds fish year-round but fishes best in spring and fall when water temperatures drop.

The Pelican is not a trophy destination — most walleye run 12 to 16 inches, and pike average in the 18- to 24-inch range. What it offers instead is consistent fishing with reasonable catch rates and relatively light pressure compared to better-known Wisconsin rivers. The lower sections, particularly from Rhinelander downstream, are more developed and see more boat traffic. The upper reaches are quieter and shallower, better suited to canoe or kayak.

Key Takeaways

  • The Pelican holds walleye and pike year-round, but spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) produce the most reliable fishing.
  • Public access points exist at Rhinelander and downstream near the Wisconsin River confluence, though parking and facilities vary by location.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply: you need a current state license, and walleye and pike have separate bag and size limits that change annually.
  • The river is navigable by motorboat in lower sections and by canoe throughout, but water levels fluctuate with seasonal rainfall and dam releases.
  • Summer fishing is possible but slower; water warms to 70+ degrees and fish move deeper or into shade, making dawn and dusk the productive hours.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season. Walleye move shallow to spawn in late April and early May, and pike follow to feed. Water temperatures in the 45–55 degree range trigger aggressive feeding. Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers work well in 4 to 8 feet of water near current breaks and deeper holes. Rain can raise water levels and color, which often improves walleye fishing.

Summer (June through August) slows considerably. Water temperatures climb into the low 70s, and walleye retreat to deeper holes and shade. Early morning and late evening produce better results than midday. Pike remain more active and can be found in weed beds and around fallen timber. Topwater lures and soft plastics work better than live bait when the sun is high.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring. As water cools back into the 50s and 60s, walleye and pike feed aggressively in preparation for winter. The river's slower current means fish concentrate in predictable locations — deeper holes, current seams, and areas with woody cover. This is the best time for larger pike.

Winter (November through March) closes most public access due to ice, though some anglers fish through the ice in January and February where safe ice exists. Check local conditions before attempting winter fishing.

Access Points and How to Reach Them

The primary public access is at Rhinelander, where a boat launch and parking area sit on the river's west bank near the city center. This is the most developed access point and the easiest to find. From Rhinelander, you can fish upstream into quieter water or downstream toward the Wisconsin River confluence. The launch accommodates both motorboats and canoes.

A second access point exists near the Wisconsin River confluence, roughly 30 miles downstream from Rhinelander. This area is less developed and sees fewer anglers. Reaching it requires driving to the southern edge of Oneida County; check with local outfitters or the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce for exact directions, as signage can be sparse.

Several canoe landings exist along the river's length, particularly in the upper sections. These are often informal — a cleared bank or small parking area — and are best located by consulting a detailed river map or contacting local canoe outfitters. The Pelican is a popular canoe route, and outfitters in Rhinelander rent canoes and can advise on current conditions and landing locations.

Water levels fluctuate with rainfall and dam releases. Before launching, check with the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce or a local bait shop for current conditions, particularly in summer when low water can make some sections difficult to navigate.

Regulations and Licensing

Wisconsin requires a current fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, by phone, or at most bait and tackle shops. A three-day license is available if you don't want to commit to a full season.

Walleye and pike have separate bag limits and minimum size requirements that vary by year and by specific water body. As of recent years, walleye typically have a daily bag limit of 5 fish with a 15-inch minimum, and pike have a daily bag limit of 1 fish with a 24-inch minimum, though these can change. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations pamphlet (available free from the DNR or at license vendors) before you fish, as limits are updated annually.

The Pelican River is not a special-regulation water, so standard statewide rules apply. Catch-and-release is always legal and encouraged if you want to fish longer or practice conservation.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

For walleye, live bait is the most reliable approach. Fish jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) tipped with live minnows (shiners or chubs) or nightcrawlers in 4 to 12 feet of water. Work the jig slowly along the bottom, pausing frequently. Deeper holes and areas with current breaks hold the most fish. In spring and fall, you can fish shallower water (2 to 6 feet) with better results.

Pike respond to larger presentations. Use 4- to 6-inch soft plastics on 1/2- to 1-ounce jigs, or cast crankbaits and spinnerbaits around weed beds and fallen timber. Pike are less selective than walleye and will chase lures more aggressively, especially in cooler water. Topwater lures work well at dawn and dusk in summer.

Panfish (bluegill, crappie) are present but not the Pelican's main draw. Small jigs, spinners, or live crickets will catch them in shallow weedy areas, particularly in spring and early summer.

Nearby Services and Outfitters

Rhinelander is the hub for services. The town has multiple bait and tackle shops, restaurants, and lodging options. Rhinelander Bait & Tackle and similar shops stock live bait, tackle, and current river information. Staff can advise on water levels, recent catches, and which sections are fishing best.

Several canoe outfitters operate in the area and rent canoes, kayaks, and gear. They also provide shuttle service if you want to paddle a section of the river and be picked up downstream. This is a good option if you don't have your own boat or want to explore the upper river without a motorboat.

Lodging ranges from budget motels to cabin rentals. Many anglers stay in Rhinelander and make day trips to the river. If you're planning a multi-day trip, book lodging in advance during spring and fall, when the river is busiest.

What Makes the Pelican Different

The Pelican River is not famous, and that's its strength. It receives a fraction of the pressure that better-known Wisconsin rivers see, which means fish are less wary and catch rates remain steady. The river is also accessible — you don't need a guide, expensive gear, or specialized knowledge to fish it successfully. A basic spinning rod, live bait, and a willingness to work the bottom will produce walleye.

The river's slow current and warm-water habitat make it forgiving for newer anglers. Fish don't move as fast as they do in faster rivers, and you have more time to present your bait. The mix of motorboat and canoe access means you can choose your experience: a quiet paddle through the upper river or a more developed fishing trip from the Rhinelander launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Pelican River year-round?

Yes, but winter access is limited. Ice typically forms by December and remains through February. Most public access points are closed or difficult to reach in winter. Some anglers fish through the ice, but you should check local conditions and ice thickness before attempting it.

Do I need a motorboat to fish the Pelican?

No. Canoes and kayaks work well, particularly in the upper river. The lower sections near Rhinelander are better suited to motorboats, but many anglers successfully fish by canoe. Water levels and current speed vary seasonally, so check conditions before launching a canoe.

What's the best time to catch pike on the Pelican?

Fall (September through October) and spring (April through May) are best. Water temperatures in the 50–60 degree range trigger aggressive feeding. Summer pike fishing is slower but possible early and late in the day. Winter pike fishing through the ice is possible but requires ice-fishing tackle and safe ice conditions.

How far is the Pelican River from other Wisconsin fishing destinations?

Rhinelander sits roughly 50 miles north of Wausau and 80 miles south of Lake Superior. The Wisconsin River, a larger warm-water system, is about 30 miles south. The Brule River (a trout stream) is roughly 60 miles northeast. Most anglers base themselves in Rhinelander and fish the Pelican as a day trip or multi-day stay.

Are there fish in the Pelican in summer?

Yes, but fishing is slower. Walleye move deeper and are less active during the day. Pike remain catchable, especially in weed beds and around shade. Fish early morning and late evening for the best results. Midday summer fishing is possible but requires patience and deeper presentations.