This region marks the headwaters of the Susitna and Copper Rivers, the two major rivers of southcentral Alaska. All five salmon species can be caught in this region, as well as many excellent places for trout and burbot. Lake Louise offers trophy class lake trout while Paxson/Summit Lakes offer similar action for lake trout and burbot. The upper Copper, Gulkana, and Klutina Rivers offer excellent salmon opportunities, while the Gulkana is also a popular destination for whitewater rafting. As with most interior regions, arctic grayling abound in most bodies of water.
Available Species: King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Red Salmon, Pink Salmon, Chum Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, Burbot, Whitefish
Hot Spots: Paxson Lake, Summit Lake, Copper River, Klutina River, Gulkana River, Tonsina River, Crosswind Lake, Lake Louise
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Fishing Spots
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3⁄4 miles south of the highway.
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Walk in public fishing access to Silver Lake and Van Lake; you’ll find wonderful scenery and good rainbow trout fishing in both lakes.
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1⁄4 mile west of the highway.
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North Side of Road, Lake & outlet excellent for large grayling.
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Short hike down steep hill to South; Summer Fishery.
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Spring fishery.
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.5 miles north of road
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Pull-off’s present; best fishing at outlet.
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Spring fishery & BLM Campground.
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Small pull-off, short hike down to outlet; summer fishery
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Parking Spot on the North side of the highway. Follow the cat track 2 miles North.
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The Lake is .5 miles south.
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Pull-off present. 1⁄4 mile trail
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Creek Parallels road & offers excellent fishing.
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Access stunning views of Landmark Gap Lake by hiking the Landmark Gap Trail North.
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This swift, glacially-fed river delivers one of the top sports salmon fisheries in the Copper Basin, with productive bankside fishing for famed Copper River reds and decent opportunities to land a big king salmon. You’ll find good parking and direct access to public easements along the river in Copper Center. Many professional guides also operate in the community.
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An alternate, and much more difficult, option involves starting on the Tangle Lakes along the Denali Highway, and paddling south, portaging from one lake to another to a point where the Middle Fork begins.
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