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Access Site UT

Pelican Lake

Ouray Park Canal

Source: state_of_utah Updated 1 year ago

City: Randlett, UT
County: Uintah County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 40.18415140, -109.69127264
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
The Pelican Lake boat ramp provides convenient access to this large, freshwater lake in northeastern Utah. Located just 25 miles southwest of Vernal, the ramp is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offers a concrete launch area for boats, kayaks, and canoes.

The Pelican Lake Campground nearby offers reservable campsites, with amenities like picnic shelters and accessible fire rings. This makes it an ideal spot for paddlers and boaters looking to explore the lake and surrounding Ouray Valley recreation area. Water levels and conditions can vary, so it's a good idea to check the latest updates before launching. With ample parking and easy access, the Pelican Lake boat ramp is a great option for anyone seeking to enjoy this scenic northeastern Utah waterway.
Federal Facility Information
435-781-4400 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
This Campground is on a First Come - First Serve Basis, vistors are required to physically be at the campground to purchase and claim a site. You must also occupy the area the day you pay for it, no advance payments. We encourage our visitors to download the recreation.gov app to take advantage of the Scan & Pay Option. There is also an Iron Ranger on site that you can pay with cash or...

Overview
This Campground is on a First Come - First Serve Basis, vistors are required to physically be at the campground to purchase and claim a site. You must also occupy the area the day you pay for it, no advance payments. We encourage our visitors to download the recreation.gov app to take advantage of the Scan & Pay Option. There is also an Iron Ranger on site that you can pay with cash or check 
Pelican Lake Campground is located at 4,800 feet and has 11 individual campsites and two group sites. Pelican Lake is well known for the outstanding bluegill and bass fishing. Bird watching is also a popular pastime in the spring, when the waterfowl come to live and rear their downy young.
Recreation
Pelican Lake is well known for the outstanding bluegill and bass fishing. Bird watching is also a popular pastime in the spring.
Facilities
11 individual sites and two group sites are available. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets are available within the campground community. Please bring your own water.

Campsites are first-come first-served.   
Natural Features
Pelican Lake has been a nationally-renowned bluegill fishery since the 1970’s when Jim Zumbo published an article in Outdoor Life on the potential for daily bag limits of 1.5 pound bluegill. Since then, anglers have held high expectations for Pelican Lake. Unfortunately, in 2008 and 2009, adult carp entered Pelican Lake in large numbers and turned the lake from a clear waterbody dominated by largemouth bass and bluegill to a lake dominated by carp. The carp’s ability to outcompete bluegill for food eventually led to a decline in bluegill condition and a few years later, a decline in largemouth bass condition. 

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), and avid Pelican Lake anglers anticipated this decline and convened a working group that developed a management plan for the lakes future success. 

Nearby Attractions
Ouray National Wildlife Refuge 
Ouray National Wildlife Refuge lies along the Green River in the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah. The Refuge provides diverse habitat types supporting over 350 fish and wildlife species and offers numerous wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities.

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Nearby Campgrounds (1 within 10 miles)
Pelican Lake Campground
On-site Reservable
Nearby Recreation Areas
Ouray National Wildlife Refuge Located within
Ouray Valley Located within