Ice Fishing in Anchorage: Learn on the Ice with a Local Guide

Your guide lives here year-round and brings sled dogs along.

An ice fishing activity in Anchorage where you learn to fish on an Alaskan lake with a live guide, drill holes in the ice, and warm up in a heated shelter. The four-hour outing includes all tackle and gear, hot drinks, and homemade chili. You may spot moose or bald eagles while you fish. A one-day state fishing license is required for guests 16 and over.

The experience

Four hours on the ice with a guide who has lived in Alaska year-round and fishes the state's lakes regularly. You'll learn how to ice fish from scratch (your guide teaches you everything, from drilling the holes to reading the water), and handle the tackle yourself. A warm shelter keeps you out of the wind, and hot drinks and a bowl of homemade chili come with the day. The exact lake may shift depending on winter conditions and where the fish are running. Your confirmation email will tell you the meeting spot.

The company brings sled dogs on trips, and the outing sits in wild country where moose and bald eagles show up often enough that your guide has stories to tell. All gear and tackle are provided, so you arrive with nothing but warm clothes and a fishing license (guests 16 and over need a one-day license from the state). The terrain is uneven in places, but the walk is short and the pace is set by the fishing, not by distance.

What’s included

• All fishing gear, tackle, and equipment.
• a warm ice fishing shelter.
• hot drinks.
• a warm bowl of homemade chili.
• and the guide's instruction on how to ice fish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by FishHound Expeditions

Is this one for you?Small groups work best here: the guide teaches you hands-on, and the sled dogs and the intimate pace of fishing suit people who want to learn a skill and spend a morning in wild country rather than rush through a list of stops. Book this if you want to actually fish, not just watch someone else do it.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

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 do I actually do during the four hours on the ice?

You learn to drill holes, set lines, and fish under the guide's instruction. The guide teaches you everything needed to catch fish in an Alaskan lake, and you handle the tackle yourself rather than watch someone else fish.

Do I need to bring a fishing license?

Guests 16 and over need a one-day sport fishing license from the state of Alaska. You can arrange this before the trip. The guide can advise on how.

What happens if the weather is bad or the fish aren't biting?

The shelter keeps you warm and dry regardless of conditions. The guide chooses the lake based on current fishing opportunities, and the day is built around the experience of being on the ice and learning the skill, not on a guaranteed catch.

Can I bring my family with kids?

The activity suits all fitness levels and ages. Specialized infant seats are available, and the short walks on uneven terrain are manageable for families. The sled dogs and the chance to drill holes in the ice appeal to children.

Where exactly do we fish?

The usual spot is Little Campbell Lake near Anchorage, but the guide may choose a different lake depending on winter conditions and where fish are active. Your confirmation email will confirm the meeting location.