Lake Fishing in Alaska

The excitement of lake fishing in Alaska can best be described by imaging who 12-year old Daniel Thorsness managed to catch a 47 pound lake trout back in 1970?

With approximately 320 lakes to fish in, lake fishing in Alaska is a treat. Lake Trout is abundant in the lakes of Alaska but is also home to Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, Arctic Char, Northern Pike, and Slimy Sculpin.

Some of the largest Lake Trouts are home in Alaska. It is widely believed that the massive sizes that can be found in Alaska can be explained by the local anglers preference to focus on easier to catch fish.

Lake Trout, which is a member of the char family of fish, is residing in the deeper parts of Alaska's lakes.

Some great locations for lake fishing in Alaska are Bristol Bay, Alaska Peninsula, Lake Clark National Park and Alaska Range and lakes north of the Chugach Mountains which are all great for fishing trips. It is usually necessary to rent ATVs or snowmobiles to reach the locations as some of them are very remotely located.

Learning about the behavior and habitat of Lake Trout gives anglers an immense advantage over novice anglers. Here are some tips:

1. In spring lake trout can be found near lakes and shorelines and as temperature rises retreat to the deeper parts of the lakes where the water is cooler.

2. Small crank baits, fly streamers, spoons, gigs and spinners are best when fishing in shallower waters or near the outlets or inlets of stream off lakes.

3. It is a good practice to keep the baits away from the boat to lower the vibration and sound that could divert the lake trout from the bait.

4. The deeper cooler water locations are the best fishing grounds during early summer while the shallower waters are ideal in late fall.

5. The spawning period for late trout is between September and November

6. A water temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit or less is preferred by Lake Trouts.

7. Best bait is the preferred diet of the Lake Trout.

8. Make sure you avoid bears by killing the catch immediately and letting it bleed in the water as fish blood draws attention from bears.