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.
Show Map
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
W on D st., right on Loop Rd, left on Otter Lake Rd
Pull-off’s present; best fishing at outlet.
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
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.
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.