Ice Fishing
No need to stay inside during the long winter months dreaming about open water and summer fun. Be adventurous, bundle up, get outside and try fishing in a whole new way - through the ice!
Ice fishing has recently come into its own as a winter sport or recreation activity, and a great incentive for the entire family to get outdoors and really enjoy winter. There are plenty of excellent ice fishing opportunities within Anchorage, and just beyond.
The ice is usually thick enough on Southcentral Alaska lakes by mid-November or early December. Thick enough to safely support an angler's weight (6 inches of clear ice for foot traffic). Always play it safe, though. If you are unsure of the ice thickness, punch a hole near shore and measure before venturing farther on lake ice.
Many of the same kind of fish caught during the summer can also be caught during winter. The Anchorage area alone contains 28 stocked lakes, for a total of more than 180 Southcentral Alaska lakes stocked by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). About a dozen Anchorage area lakes are stocked with catchable-sized chinook salmon in time for winter ice fishing, and many lakes still have good populations of rainbows, grayling, Arctic Char and lake trout left from summer stocking.
Anchorage lakes stocked for ice fishing include: Beach, Campbell Point (Kincaid Park), Clunie, Delong, Jewel, Mirror and Sand Lakes. The ADF&G posts a Fish Stocking Update and Ice Conditions Report
Equipment Needed
- Gas-powered or hand-cranked augers.
- A strainer, or ice skimmer to keep hole clear of ice.
- A fishing pole, 10-pound-test line.
- Sinkers and small jigs
- Bait - shrimp, corn, Salmon eggs, popcorn, power bait, worms, grub, larvae, or just about anything you think a fish will like.
What to Wear
Clothing should be worn in layers for maxium heat retention. The layer of clothing next to your skin needs to be made out of a material that will wic moisture away from your body. The outside layer of clothing needs to be wind and water proof. Keep your hands dry and take extra pairs of gloves. Your poor feet are what are in contact with the ice all day. Winter boots and an extra pair of wool socks are the ticket to keeping them warm.
Ice Fishing Jamboree
Typically held during the second weekend of December, hosted by the Alaska Sportfishing Association at Jewel Lake. This jamboree offers an ice fishing experience for disabled or underprivileged children in the Anchorage area, although all anglers are welcome to participate. More information about this event is available from the Alaska Sportfishing Association (907) 562-4141.
To learn more about ice fishing in Alaska, check out the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Ice-Fishing Resources.
Get your Fishing License Online!
Regulations
Always check current regulations; fishing licenses are required. Non-resident fishing licenses are available from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, as well as from many local hotels, sporting goods stores and air taxis.
Cost: $10 for one day, $20 for three days, $50 for 14 days and $100 for one year. For the most current information, contact (907) 267-2100.
