Alaska Rainbow Trout Fishing Spots
Rainbow trout are a very popular game fish and are prevalent in Alaska. They can be found in lakes, rivers, and streams throughout the state thanks to both natural and introduced populations.
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Rainbow Trout Fishing Spots
This spot in Sterling — at milepost 82.3 at the Isaak Walton Campground — is where the Moose River meets the Kenai River, and the two rivers’ differing paces are drastic. The Moose River is very slow and wide, with almost no current — so much so that it feels more like a lake. The Kenai River, on the other hand, flows fairly swiftly in comparison, and the confluence can play strange tricks on your tackle.
Soldotna Park, in downtown Soldotna, offers all Kenai River species — but most people are here for the sockeye. That means it can get crowded during peak sockeye season, but it’s also a good place to learn how to fish for sockeye. The combination of easy accessibility, hard-packed gravel and a shallow grade make the fishing enjoyable.
At mile 10.7 McCarthy Road, there is foot access to Silver Lake where you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon fishing for trout.
ATV Trail from Tanana Lp Rd
This unique fishery, about 25 miles north of Anchorage, is comprised of a small, artificial eddy of water that comes down from a power plant and connects to the main stem, Knik River. The glacial-fed water looks murky and blue-gray, and there’s very little current. While you won’t find much solitude here, you can usually find a spot to set up a lawn chair for some lazy fishing. There’s abundant parking, too, as well as restrooms.
80-site RV Park (no hook-ups) and campground, with water, shared flush toilets (a luxury in Alaska camping!), and picnic tables and fire pits at each campsite. Very popular fishing spot for rainbow trout, red (sockeye), and silver (coho) salmon. Also a very active area for bears — sometimes there are restrictions on tent camping and soft-sided trailers due to bear activity in the area.
North Knob Lake is accessible via the ALASCOM Access Road off of the Glenn Highway, just across the road from the Chickaloon Trailhead System. You’ll first past North Knob lake before reaching South Knob Lake. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout.
Mirror Lake is a beautiful spot to relax, play, and paddle. Just off the Glenn Highway in the town of Chugiak, about 25 miles north of Anchorage.
Sunshine Creek flows into the Susitna River. There is an access road off of the Parks Highway. Most popular for fishing for silvers late August through September.
This fish-filled creek rushes out from Far North Bicentennial Park and through the center of town. Cast for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, or silver salmon-all within walking distance of your car. Throw on a pair of hip-waders and head up the creek or angle from the shoreline trail. Directions: Park at one of the lots on Campbell Airstrip Rd. to access the creek from Far North Bicentennial Park, or head west on 76th off of Old Seward to King… ...more
This spot, just north of Sterling, is primarily a boat launch, but it also offers excellent sockeye fishing. It’s located at the end of Bing’s Landing Road: There’s a parking lot, but when the fishing is hot, you can expect to park alongside the road, up to half a mile away from the boat launch site. (Another reason you might park on the road: The lot near the boat launch has a fee.)
This confluence is one of the most popular fisheries in South Central Alaska. Located about 60 miles north of Anchorage on the Parks Highway, it offers excellent fishing for four of the major salmon species: kings, silvers, chums and pinks. It also features big rainbows (up to 30 inches) and Dolly Varden, as well as Arctic Grayling. You’ll also find, in small numbers, burbot and whitefish.
Access point to fish the Russian River near the confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers in Cooper Landing. It also provides parking for anglers using the Russian River Ferry which is right next door. Fishing opportunities for red (sockeye) and silver (coho) salmon, as well as dolly varden and rainbow trout.
Popular location to fish the Kenai River from a raised platform along the water and to launch boats. Large parking area and boat launch are both available for a fee. Check website for current rates. Vault toilets. Depending on the season can fish for rainbow trout, dolly varden, salmon (King, Sockeye, Coho). Check the ADF&G website for regulations.
Lovely neighborhood lake in Palmer, just off of Trunk Road. There’s a public access point on the north side of the lake off of E Turn Drive. There’s a small gravel parking area. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Locals come here to fish and paddle.
Wading access and boat launch. Gravel parking area and boat launch are both available for a fee. Check website for current rates. This is a smaller parking area than some nearby access points for the Kenai River. Depending on the season can fish for rainbow trout, dolly varden, salmon (King, Sockeye, Coho). Check the ADF&G website for regulations.
Popular lake due to its close proximity to Soldotna to fish for rainbow trout and coho salmon. There’s also a boat launch, and on sunny summer days locals will be kayaking, boating, jet skiing, and tubing. There’s a paved parking area.
Rainbow trout fishing spot off of the Alaska Highway. A dirt road at MP 1348 leads to the trailhead for the 1⁄2 mile hike to Robertson #2 lake.
Day use area for fishing (stocked rainbow trout and coho) and trail access, with picnic shelter and toilets. Access is just off the Sterling Highway and W Scout Lake Loop Road.
Fish for rainbow trout at this small lake accessible via a 1⁄4 mile trail off of the McCarthy Road.
Access point to fish the Kenai River between the Russian River and Skilak Lake. Species found here include trout, dolly varden, and salmon (kings, sockeye, and silvers — depending on time of year). There is a gravel parking area and a boat launch point. Check with Alaska Department of Fish and Game for regulations and limits.
One of the most popular areas in the state for dipnetters to fish the Kenai River in the month of July. There’s a large paved parking area, and camping is allowed July 10 — 31 during the sockeye salmon run. Restrooms available.
Lake stocked with rainbow trout. Accessible via Bonnie Lakes Road off the Glenn Highway just north of Chickaloon. There’s a gravel pull-out parking area on the right hand side of the road to access the lake.
Located down Beaver Loop Road, just outside of Kenai, Cunningham Park is a great, easy-access location for sockeye and silver salmon. The shoreline here is a mix of gravel and mud, with the mud being more prevalent below the tidal zone. That said, this spot is very tidal dependent, so you’ll have to continually adjust your bait setup as the water rises or falls.
There are rainbow trout and dolly varden in Eklutna Lake. Check with Alaska Department of Fish and Game for regulations.
Accessible via a 1‑mile trail from the parking area just off the Alaska Highway. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout by ADF&G. This trail is managed by the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.
Deshka Landing is a boat launch on the Susitna River that provides access to the Susitna, Yentna, and Deshka Rivers. The landing is open year-round (winter snowmobile use) and is managed by the Deshka Outdoor Association, LLC.
This area opens to dip netting for sockeye salmon only if escapement of salmon is beyond a certain limit. Visit the ADF&G website for more information.
Stocked lake with parking area just off the Parks Highway, but majority of the shoreline is private property. Rainbow trout. Beautiful view of Mt. Denali, Mt. Foraker, and Mt. Hunter on a clear day.
W on D st., right on Loop Rd, left on Otter Lake Rd
Beach Lake is a local gem located in the Eagle River/Chugiak area, 20 miles north of Anchorage. Enjoy a quiet, uncrowded view of the Chugach Mountains.
This spot is particularly good for anyone who’s mobility impaired, since you access the river by a flat, metal boardwalk — and the actual fishing area is also from the boardwalk. This makes Moose Meadows one of a very few places where anglers can fish for sockeye without having to be in the water — you can do excellent even from a wheel chair.
Avoid the crowds and explore a local favorite. This 6.2‑mile out-and-back trail, located in Willow, Alaska, takes travelers on a winding journey along boreal forest floor. The payoff is at the turnaround point, which features views of Red Shirt Lake’s shoreline. At the lake, fish for northern pike and keep an ear out for loons, which frequent the area.
Large roadside pullout beside the Alaska Highway at mile 1391.8 is the Donna Lakes Trailhead. Follow the trail 3.6 miles to Big Donna Lake Cabin, and continue another 1.3 miles to Little Donna Lake Cabin. Both cabins are managed by ADF&G.
Lovely lake accessible from via Bonnie Lake Road off the Glenn Highway just north of Chickaloon. A small dock juts into the lake, as well as a gravel boat launch area. Fish for rainbow trout and grayling.
Quiet lake in Willow where you can fish for rainbow trout. It is stocked by ADF&G.
Part of the Talkeetna Lakes Park trail system. There’s a trailhead on Whigmi Road with a short walk to access the lake, and there’s about a 2 mile trail around the lake that connects with the Z Lake Loop. The Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
W on D st., right on Loop Rd, left on Otter Lake Rd
Upper Summit Lake is one of the most beautiful views along the Seward highway. Summit Lake Lodge is at one end, open seasonally May through September. Behind the lake is Tenderfoot Creek Campground. Fishing available for Dolly Varden and Rainbow Trout.
This lake is part of the Nancy Lake Canoe System. There’s a paved parking area to access the trailhead at about mile 4.5 of the Nancy Lake Parkway. The lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
North Knob Lake is accessible via the ALASCOM Access Road off of the Glenn Highway, just across the road from the Chickaloon Trailhead System. There is a small gravel pullout for parking. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout.
Large, paved, roadside pullout just off the Alaska Highway. Park and hike the 3⁄4 mile trail to Lisa Lake. Fishing opportunity for rainbow trout and landlocked salmon. There’s also a public use cabin available to rent from ADF&G.
Pull-off’s present; best fishing at outlet.
Seventeenmile Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and arctic char. It’s a tranquil lake with views of the surrounding mountains. The lake can be accessed from the Glenn Highway, just before Sutton, via Mile 58 Road. There’s a small gravel parking area and undeveloped boat launch off of Wishbone Place.
Alaska’s most productive king salmon sportfishery is located right in downtown Anchorage! Fish for salmon at Ship Creek even if you have only two hours. During the summertime derbies, specially tagged fish bring in $100-$10,000. Buy your tickets ($7 – 35) from the Derby Cabin next to Comfort Inn at Ship Creek and warm up your muscles-in 2002, a 41-pounder took grand prize! Want to fish Ship Creek? 6th Avenue Outfitters (907−276−0233) sells… ...more
Stretch your legs at this picturesque stream and perhaps drop in a line. At Daves Creek you’ll find good fishing for dolly varden and rainbow trout. Salmon can be seen spawning here in mid-July through September.
Access Centennial Lake by driving Tustemena Lake Road. There’s a sign for the lake on the left-hand side. There’s a sandy beach area and some spaces to park a vehicle or RV. There are no restrooms. The lake is stocked with land-locked salmon and rainbow trout.
This is a weekend only salmon fishery that is very popular with locals. The creek is more of a slough, with thick-glacial silt mud.
A quiet spot to fish for Rainbow Trout located within the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. The lake is accessible via a short trail from the Nancy Lake Parkway.
Parks Hwy access to this lake just north of the junction with the Talkeetna Spur Road. Fish for rainbow trout.
There’s a privately run campground here and access to fishing on Willow Creek. There’s also a fishing charter operator offering guided trips on the creek.
Most of this lake is lined with private property, but it there is a small parking area and public access trail off N. Windy Bottom Road. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout.
Quiet lake in Wasilla mostly lined with residential properties. There’s parking and a gravel boat launch off of S. Beaver Lake Road. The lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
Kasilof River personal use salmon fishery. Permit and fishing license required. Dipnetting available to Alaska residents. Confirm season with ADF&G.
Fish for rainbow trout on Barbara Lake. There’s a boat launch on the south side of the lake off Pipeline Drive, and a parking pad (room for about 3 vehicles) and walking path to the lake on the north side off Ballard Drive.
Easily accessible lake in Talkeetna, Alaska that is part of a popular chain of Lakes “X”, “Y”, and “Z” lakes. They are popular with canoeists who portage from one lake to the next. The lake is stocked annually with Rainbow Trout. There is a short trail to the lake from Comsat Road.
Large roadside pullout beside the Alaska Highway at mile 1391.8 is the Donna Lakes Trailhead. Follow the trail 3.6 miles to Big Donna Lake Cabin, managed by ADF&G.
Kincaid/Pt. Cambell Park
This tributary of the Kenai River flows alongside the Sterling Highway, just north of Cooper Landing (from milepost 40 – 45). There are plenty of designated pull-offs along the highway — like Quartz Creek Road, which leads to Kenai Lake, as well as the popular access point at the Quartz Creek Bridge.
The Stormy Lake boat launch and day use area is located within the Captain Cook State Recreation Area. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout and Arctic Char in Stormy Lake. There’s a picnic shelter, water, and toilets available on site.
These popular trails lead to two beautiful, pristine lakes. Even better, they’re both easy hikes, which makes them perfect for people of all ages. Bring a fishing pole and angle for stocked trout in Meridian Lake or grayling in Grayling Lake.
King salmon enter Deep Creek during late May and early June and continue to spawn into early July. Watch for their dark red bodies in the riffles and deeper holes. A very limited fishing season is provided during the early summer for kings and steelheads.
King salmon enter during late-May and early-June and there are always some fish spawning in areas near the highway during early-July. Wear polarized glasses if you have them and watch for dark red kings in the riffles and deeper holes. A very limited fishing season is available on these streams during the early summer for both salmon and steelhead.
W on D st, right on Loop Rd, st on Route Bravo
SE on N Eagle River, SE on Eagle
Milepost 17.7, Seward HighwayKenai Lake offered a flat treeless path to travel in winter. This trail was one of two overland routes to Sunrise and Hope. (The other overland route was through Portage Pass.) Miners traveled by dogsled from Seward to Snow River and on to Kenai Lake. At the other end of the 17 mile lake, travelers would follow Quartz Creek north through Turnagain Pass along Canyon Creek to the gold rush towns of Sunrise and Hope. ...more
Cast your line for some rainbow trout, or maybe a silver salmon. Here you’ll find public fishing access. A short walk on the .3 mile trail north to Strelna Lake puts you in the right sport for some angling.
When silver salmon are running up Montana Creek by the thousands, fishermen are running up the Parks Highway by the hundreds to go “combat fishing.” They stand elbow to elbow along the creek, casting their lines and catching everything from fish to coat sleeves. Up and down the creek, you can hear people holler “Fish on!”
Walk in public fishing access to Silver Lake and Van Lake; you’ll find wonderful scenery and good rainbow trout fishing in both lakes.