Pelican Lake is a 798-acre natural Sandhills lake located within the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge in Cherry County, Nebraska, approximately 16 miles south and 6 miles west of Valentine. As one of the longest lakes on the refuge, stretching over 3 miles, it offers expansive paddling opportunities through a distinctive Nebraska ecosystem.

**Access and Boat Launch** The lake features a primitive boat launch accessible from refuge roads. Only electric motors or non-powered watercraft are permitted, with a 5 mph speed limit enforced throughout. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset only, and camping is not allowed on-site, though nearby options exist at Big Alkali Lake WMA, Ballard's Marsh WMA, and Merritt Reservoir SRA.

**Paddling Character** This shallow, groundwater-fed lake presents unique paddling conditions. A dense ring of cattails and bulrushes surrounds the shoreline, making bank access impossible but creating protected channels and pockets ideal for kayak exploration. During summer months, aquatic vegetation including smartweed, pondweed, and coontail becomes abundant, which can challenge navigation but creates rich habitat. Spring (April-June) and fall offer clearer paddling conditions before and after peak vegetation growth. The lake's length requires paddlers to respect distance and weather conditions, as wind exposure across the open Sandhills can be significant. The entire perimeter provides productive fish habitat, with marshy areas offering particularly interesting exploration opportunities.

**Wildlife and Scenery** The refuge supports over 270 documented bird species, making it exceptional for wildlife observation. Paddlers can expect to see waterfowl, shorebirds, and migratory species utilizing the shallow marshes. The surrounding Sandhills landscape provides sweeping prairie vistas with rolling sand dunes stabilized by native grasses.

**Regulations** Use and possession of live baitfish is prohibited. Fish taken from other waters cannot be possessed while on the refuge. A Nebraska fishing permit is required for anglers 16 and older.