Ice Fishing in Anchorage: Drill, Watch & Catch Fish

Watch moose and eagles while you relax on a frozen Anchorage lake

A half-day ice fishing activity in the Anchorage area where you drill through 6 inches to 3 feet of ice, watch fish move below on a depth finder or through the hole, and catch rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, arctic char and dolly varden. Hotel pickup and all fishing gear are included. A guide handles setup while you focus on the fishing.

The experience

You get picked up at your Anchorage hotel and driven to one of several frozen lakes nearby in Southcentral Alaska. On a clear day you'll see as many as four mountain ranges from the ice. The guide sets up an insulated, heated and lighted tent so you stay warm and dry while you work: no shivering between bites. You'll spend between three and a half and four hours on the ice, and the guide handles all the heavy lifting and messy work except perhaps hauling up the heaviest fish of the day.

The fishing itself is hands-on. You help drill through the ice using a latest-model electric auger, watching it cut through anywhere from 6 inches to 3 feet depending on the lake and the season. Once the hole is open, you can look straight down and watch fish swimming below, or use the depth finder to see them move on sonar images. The guide teaches you how to fish with jigs and spoons, or with hooks, bait and a bobber: whatever the fish are taking that day. You'll catch rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, arctic char and dolly varden in the 12- to 26-inch range. Whether it's your first time or you've fished for years, the guide adjusts the approach to get you on fish.

Moose often appear in the woods around the lake or at the water's edge. Bald eagles watch from the trees nearby, hunting for their own meal. All fishing rods, reels, tackle and bait are provided. The guide will contact you the day before to confirm your exact pickup time. If the ice is slick, ice cleats are provided to keep you safe walking across uneven, snowy or icy surfaces.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Anchorage hotel.
• all ice fishing rods, reels, tackle and bait.
• an insulated, heated and lighted fishing tent.
• ice cleats when needed for safe footing on slick ice.
• hotel drop-off at the end of the trip.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 13:00 and 15:00

Book up to12h before

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 42 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Alaska Adventure Guides

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free half-day in Anchorage and want to try ice fishing without owning gear or knowing the lakes. The guide handles the setup and teaches you as you go, whether you've never fished before or you're experienced. A small group stays together on the ice, so you're fishing alongside your travel companions rather than joining strangers.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of fish will I catch ice fishing in Anchorage?

Rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, arctic char and dolly varden are common on the frozen lakes near Anchorage, typically ranging from 12 to 26 inches in length.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear and equipment?

No. All ice fishing rods, reels, tackle and bait are provided. You'll also get an insulated, heated and lighted tent to fish from, and ice cleats if the surface is slick.

How thick is the ice, and will I really drill through it myself?

Ice thickness varies between 6 inches and 3 feet depending on the lake and season. You'll help drill through it using an electric auger, so you get hands-on experience with the tool.

What will I see on the depth finder while ice fishing?

The depth finder shows sonar images of fish moving below the ice, so you can watch them swim and adjust your technique based on what's happening underwater.

Will I see wildlife besides fish during the trip?

Moose often appear in the woods around the lake or at the water's edge, and bald eagles frequently watch from nearby trees, hunting for fish.