Alaska Ice Fishing

Fishing season doesn't end in the Mat-Su Valley when the salmon spawn in the fall. The Valley is a prime location in Alaska for ice fishing enthusiasts, with more than 80 stocked lakes and the opportunity to catch landlocked salmon, trout, char, pike, burbot and more.

Many lakes are easily accessible on the road system, and popular lakes include Finger Lake, Big Lake, the Nancy Lakes State Recreation Area, Lake Louise and Byers Lake. Smaller lakes throughout the Mat-Su Valley are also good spots to drill a hole and drop a line.

For those visiting in the winter on an extended trip, the Still Cold Open is an ice fishing tournament on Big Lake that spans three different weekends.

You only need basic equipment to get started - an ice auger, a fishing rod (and license) and some bait. Dress warm and head out for an adventure few get to experience - pulling a char through a hole in the ice on an Alaskan lake!

Check out these recent photos from ice fishing enthusiasts in the Mat-Su Valley: