Ice Fishing in Alaska

Tuesday, 17 April 2007

Imagine a snow-capped mountain with jagged cliffs, pristine wilderness and evergreens beckoning for you. The cold air seizes your lungs and plunges you right into a lake frozen solid. Basking in the warmth of the sun, you realize that you are in the midst of an exhilarating opportunity: ice fishing in Alaska!

Ice fishing in Alaska usually begins by mid-November or the first week of December, as the ice becomes just thick enough to support your weight. An ice cover should be about 6 inches deep for it to be safe to walk on. To check ice thickness, anglers would usually bore a hole near shore and carefully measure it before heading further out into the lake.

The fish caught during winter can also be caught during summer. Anchorage alone boasts of 28 lakes, stock full of fish such as Chinook salmon, rainbows, Arctic Char, grayling and lake trout. Some of the best lakes to visit are Beach, Jewel, Campbell Point, Delong, Clunie and Sand Lakes.

King Salmon and silver salmon can be readily caught even by novice anglers. They measure up 12 inches in length and are rather tasty! Rainbow trout are some of the bigger fish caught through the ice. The Dolly Varden or the Arctic char are large fish that have a rich orange flesh, perfect for fillets.

To go ice fishing, anglers would need sinkers and small jigs, a fishing pole, a strainer to keep the hole clear of ice, hand-cranked or gas-powered augers and of course bait. Bait can be anything from shrimp, to corn, worms, larvae, or even popcorn.

For maximum protection against the cold, ice fishers should wear clothing in layers, with the innermost layer made out of a fabric that will keep moisture away from your body. The outside layer should be water and windproof. It would also be a good idea to wear gloves and thick, sturdy winter boots with an extra pair of wool socks to keep your feet warm.

Alaska usually holds an Ice Fishing Jamboree during the second weekend of December. Hosted by the Alaska Sportfishing Association at Jewel Lake, this festive celebration holds an ice fishing experience for underprivileged children and differently –abled people in the Anchorage area. Of course, all ice fishers are encouraged to participate.

Fishing licenses are required in Alaska. Visitors can avail of fabulous Alaskan fishing by acquiring non-resident fishing licenses, which are easily available from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, aside from sporting goods stores and local hotels.

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