Ice fishing is something many have only seen in photographs. In northern places, people who love fishing head out onto the thick, solid ice to battle the winter. They put up a tent, drill a hole in the ice and wait for the fish under the ice to seek the bait in the dark, cold water. This time-honored Alaska tradition is a way of bonding during the long, cold hours of waiting for fish. But modern tents and heaters make ice fishing more of a luxurious party than a freezing chore. Try ice fishing for a fantastic winter day trip in Alaska.
For the ultimate adventure, fish all night under the aurora for an Alaskan experience you'll never forget.
Experiencing all of the fun outdoor activities Alaska has to offer will make your winter one thousand times better. Visitors and residents alike should try ice fishing because it's fun to try something new surrounded by the beauty that Alaska is so well known for.
It's fun, easy, and a great way to spend time with friends and family. Conditions vary by year and area of the state, but for most of Mainland Alaska, you can ice fish from December through March on the lakes and rivers.
The process involves heading out to a frozen body of water and drilling a hole in the ice. The giant ice drills are specifically designed for the task.
Some people, and tour guides, have deluxe little ice fishing houses built that they haul across the ice each winter to a spot for comfort and warmth for ice fishing all winter long.
But modern pop-up tents and generator-powered heaters can create a warm spot for fishing on the ice in no time.
Before you know it, you'll have caught some delicious fish!
Winter traps some king and silver salmon under the ice as well as rainbow trout, Arctic char – Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling. Some of the lakes are stocked, so they are good bets for ice fishing. Just ask the locals where the best spots are and you'll be pulling in fish left and right.
You can grill up your fresh catch and enjoy the best in fresh Alaska fish, and it is all the better when you caught it yourself in a glorious Alaskan locale.
1. Anchorage Area
Great lakes for ice fishing include Jewel, Mirror, Beach, Clunie, Otter, DeLong, Sand, and Green Lake in the Southcentral area. The season ends in late March, so beware of thin ice as spring progresses.
2. Matanuska-Susitna Area
Matanuska & Upper Susitna Valley offers the Big Lake system, Nancy Lake System, Kepler-Bradley lakes, Petersville Road lakes, Wasilla, Red Shirt, Long,
Seventeen Mile, Benka, Christiansen, Carpenter, Memory, Diamond, Chelatna, Clarence, and Stephan Lakes.
3. Kenai Peninsula Area
In the beautiful Kenai Peninsula head to Summit, Trail, Kenai, Hidden, and Skilak Lakes, Swanson
River Road Lakes, Swan Lake Road & Canoe System Lakes.
4. Glennallen & Copper Valley Area
This beautiful area is full of perfect lakes for ice fishing including Louise/Susitna, Crosswind, Deep, Fish, Tolsona, Paxton, Summit, Tonsina, Strelna, Silver, Van, Copper, Tanada, and Long Lakes. Book a cabin in Copper Valley for a fishing getaway.
5. Tanana Valley Area, Interior
Head to Tangle, Minto, and Tetlin Lakes systems; Harding, Birch,
Quartz, Geskakmina, Dune, Otto, Rainbow, Craig, Koole, and Bolio Lakes for ice fishing fun outside of Fairbanks.
6. Fairbanks Area
Head out on the many frozen lakes in the Fairbanks area including Chena, Polaris, Ballaine, Moose, Grayling, and 28
Mile Pond.
7. Northwest Area
Go to Walker, Feniak, Wild and Selawik Lakes, and Hotham Inlet for the Spring Sheefish. The season goes through April in the North.
8. Arctic Area
In the far north, head to Teshekpuk, Elusive, Galbraith, Chandler, Old John, Chandalar, and
Bob Johnson Lakes. The arctic area of Alaska is pristine and beautiful.
9. Bristol Bay Area
In the southwest, head to Wood-Tikchik Lakes, Lake Clark, Headwater Lakes, Togiak River, Kanektok River, and the Katmai Lakes.
Find out everything you need to know about gear and equipment here. Find the stocked lakes in your area through the Department of Fish and Game. Find out about renting ice fishing equipment or taking a tour at:
Fishtale River Guides (Little Susitna River)
AK River Tours (Statewide)
Rod's Alaskan Guide Service (Fairbanks/North Pole)
1st Alaska Outdoor School (Fairbanks)
Jason's Guide Service (Cooper Landing)
If you love fishing, check out the world’s most dangerous job found here in Alaska. Or you may want to visit these nine amazing spots in Alaska that are perfect to go fishing.
Ice fishing in Alaska is one of those experiences you just have to put on your bucket list. Even if you don't catch anything it's something not everyone can claim to have done. Have you been ice fishing in Alaska? Share your experience with us in the comments.
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