Ice Fishing in Fairbanks: 3-Hour Hands-On Experience

Drop a line through the ice and reel in Arctic Grayling, Pike or Salmon.

A 3-hour ice fishing activity in Fairbanks where you fish for multiple species (Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, Burbot, Pike and Whitefish) with a local guide, heated hut, fishing rod and bait provided. The guide demonstrates techniques before you start, hot cocoa and tea are available in the cabin, and you can request your catch cooked for you or practice catch and release. A State of Alaska fishing license is required and can be arranged separately.

The experience

You arrive at the lake location (sent to you after booking) and meet your local guide, who walks you through the basics of ice fishing before you head out. The setup is straightforward: the guide shows you the technique, hands you a rod with bait, and you fish from inside a heated hut where hot cocoa and tea keep you warm between catches. The locations Reel Alaskan Aventures uses are less crowded than tourist hotspots and home to bigger fish, so you're not competing with crowds for the same water.

You'll fish for whichever species are active that day: Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, Burbot, Pike or Whitefish are all in the Interior. The guide is a true source of local knowledge, so if you want recommendations on other activities, restaurants or where to see the aurora, ask. The whole experience is hands-on and all ages welcome from five years old, so families can fish together. If you catch something you want to keep, the guide will cook it for you. Most visitors practice catch and release so the next group has the same shot at bigger fish.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an additional fee. Contact the operator to check current availability for your location. You'll need a State of Alaska fishing license, which you can arrange when you book.

What’s included

• Fishing rod and bait.
• professional local guide.
• heated ice hut.
• hot cocoa and tea.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Reel Alaskan Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon in Fairbanks and want to try something hands-on rather than watch from a distance. The 3-hour window fits between other activities, and the guide's local knowledge means you'll leave with tips on where to eat, what else to do and where the aurora shows up, not just fishing advice.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 15 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

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 fish species will I have a chance to catch?

You'll fish for Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, Burbot, Pike and Whitefish, depending on what's active in the Interior on your day. The guide knows which species are biting and will position you accordingly.

Do I need my own fishing license?

A State of Alaska fishing license is required. You can arrange this separately when you book, and the operator can advise on the process.

What happens if I catch a fish? Do I have to keep it?

You choose. Most visitors practice catch and release so future groups have the same opportunity at bigger fish, but if you want to keep your catch, the guide will cook it for you upon request.

How does the heated hut work during the fishing?

You fish from inside the heated hut, which keeps you warm between casts. Hot cocoa and tea are available throughout the 3 hours, so you stay comfortable while you wait for bites.