11 of the Best Spots for Ice Fishing in Alaska

The Last Frontier’s Most Epic Ice Fishing Spots

To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Alaska has some of the best ice fishing in America. These 11 spots will have you pulling monster fish in no time.

Kenai Lake, Cooper Landing

The stunning turquoise waters of Kenai Lake freeze solid by January, one of the best spots for Lake trout and Dolly Varden.

It drops over 300 feet deep and the fishing happens in 30-60 foot zones. White tube jigs and small spoons tend to work best. Several access points along the Sterling Highway make it easy to reach good fishing spots.

The nearby town of Cooper Landing has plenty of places to stay, eat, and stock up on fishing supplies. Early morning is usually when the fishing is at its best.

Chena Lakes Recreation Area, Fairbanks

Stocked with Arctic char, rainbow trout, and silver salmon all year round, this family-friendly spot gives you 80 acres of prime ice fishing territory.

You’ll find heated shelters for rent, plowed ice roads, and plenty of parking.

Local shops rent gear right on-site, making it a great place for newbies. The park also keeps track of ice thickness and offers guided trips from December to March.

Maybe a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis while you’re fishing (totally possible here).

Nancy Lake Recreation Area, Willow

About 67 miles north of Anchorage, Nancy Lake’s chain of lakes brings non-stop action for northern pike, which can get huge here.

The pike bite hardest in the morning and evening. Tip: locals say to fish near underwater structures in 8-15 feet of water.

The area has 131 lakes all connected by portages and winter trails.

You’ll need a snowmobile or fat tire bike to reach the more remote spots, but the main lake is pretty accessible by car (if you have one).

Big Lake, Wasilla

Just an hour from Anchorage, Big Lake is exactly what it sounds like — a massive 2,000 acres of fishable ice.

Though the lake usually freezes over by mid-December, the west end is great for rainbow trout, while the deeper north end has bigger char.

You’ll find several plowed access points, parking areas, and local businesses renting out ice fishing gear. Weekend ice fishing tournaments bring a fun, competitive vibe.

Deshka Landing, Willow

This spot on the Susitna River system offers plowed ice roads, parking, and easy access to the best fishing spots (especially famous for burbot).

Local anglers reel in burbot up to 8 pounds using herring or salmon roe as bait. The best fishing happens after dark, so don’t forget your headlamp and warm clothes.

The landing store sells bait, basic supplies, and keeps you updated on ice conditions. Just fish near the river channel edges where burbot like to hang out.

Summit Lake, Moose Pass

Summit Lake is famous for producing trophy-sized rainbow trout, and it draws serious anglers from all over the state.

The lake sits at 1,400 feet and freezes earlier than most spots. Deep holes in the lake are home to rainbow trout that can grow up to 30 inches long.

You’ll find easy shoreline access from the Seward Highway, though many anglers prefer snowmobiling to more secluded areas.

Good to know: Fish with silver spoons and small jigs tipped with salmon eggs.

Finger Lake, Palmer

Finger Lake has been turned into a winter fishing hotspot by local fishing clubs. The lake’s close to Palmer, so you won’t be far from food, supplies, and other amenities.

A network of plowed ice roads gives you easy access to the best fishing spots, and there are warming huts scattered across the lake.

The lake gets stocked with rainbow trout and Arctic char, while natural northern pike keep things exciting. Insiders recommend fishing near the sunken islands and drop-offs.

Paxson Lake, Paxson

This remote beauty along the Richardson Highway offers top-tier lake trout and burbot fishing through thick winter ice.

The lake’s remote location along the Richardson Highway is true wilderness. Rocky points and deep holes are the prime areas, so be sure to target those spots.

Serious anglers flock to Paxson Lake to catch trophy fish. The western shore has the best access points, and a few guiding services operate in the area.

People hunting for lake trout (more often) find these in the 15 to 30 pound range.

Johnson Lake, Kasilof

Johnson Lake might be smaller than some other destinations, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in easy access and solid fishing.

The state regularly stocks the lake with rainbow trout and silver salmon, making for a steady fishing experience all winter.

The shoreline access is great, and the small size makes it easy to try different spots. The lake’s proximity to Kasilof means you’ll never be far from stores and other amenities.

Local anglers have good luck with small jigs tipped with corn or salmon eggs.

Crosswind Lake, Glacier View

Tucked away in the Talkeetna Mountains, Crosswind Lake gives anglers a more remote ice fishing adventure.

But access is tricky, so you’ll need a snowmobile or a ski plane.

The deep waters hold some of Alaska’s biggest lake trout, and anglers can also catch grayling in the shallower spots.

You’ll regularly pull lake trout weighing over 20 pounds from here. Most successful anglers go for underwater shelves and drop-offs with big jigging spoons.

Hidden Lake, Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area

Hidden Lake wraps up our list with its killer mix of breathtaking scenery and excellent fishing opportunities.

The north end of the lake, with its steep drop-offs, is where the biggest fish hang out, producing good numbers of lake trout and Dolly Varden throughout the winter.

Though the recreation area stays open year-round, you’ll still need a hefty 4×4 vehicle (make sure its equipped for snowy or icy terrain).

Several cabins (under Kenai National Wildlife Refuge) accommodate multi-day trips.