Winter Ice Fishing in the Mat-Su Valley
Fish for rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, burbot, and Arctic char on frozen Mat-Su Valley lakes. All gear and heated shelters provided. Guided by locals who fish these waters year-round.
Species You Can Catch
Mat-Su Valley lakes hold a variety of cold-water species that remain active through the ice.
Rainbow Trout
November - AprilThe most popular ice fishing target in Mat-Su. Found in most stocked and wild lakes. Active biters in cold water.
Landlocked Salmon
December - MarchStocked in select Mat-Su lakes. Hard fighters even through the ice. Best targeted with small jigs and bait.
Burbot (Lingcod)
January - MarchAlaska's only freshwater cod. Excellent eating and most active at night or under low-light conditions. A Mat-Su specialty.
Arctic Char
November - AprilBeautiful, cold-water species found in deeper, cleaner lakes. Excellent table fare and a prized catch for visiting anglers.
Best Months for Ice Fishing
Ice conditions and fishing quality vary throughout the winter season.
Early ice forming. Lakes begin to freeze. Limited access — only the earliest freezing lakes are fishable. Short days.
Solid ice on most Mat-Su lakes. Good fishing as water cools. Shortest daylight hours — headlamps useful. Burbot become active.
Peak season. Thick, stable ice. Coldest temperatures (-10 to 20 F). Best burbot fishing. Heated shelters recommended.
Lengthening days and warming sun. Excellent trout fishing as fish become more active. Still solid ice. Most comfortable month.
Late season. Ice begins deteriorating. Shore ice weakens first. Experienced guide essential for safe access. Season ends mid-to-late April.
All Gear Included
You do not need to bring any fishing equipment. We supply everything you need for a successful day on the ice.
- Ice fishing rod and reel combos
- Tackle: jigs, bait, lures for target species
- Ice auger for drilling holes
- Ice scoops and skimmers
- Heated portable shelter (pop-up style)
- Propane heater
- Camp chairs
- Hot drinks (cocoa, coffee, tea)
- Safety equipment: ice picks, throw rope
Heated Shelters
Our portable heated shelters keep you warm and comfortable even on the coldest days. Pop-up style shelters with propane heaters create a warm environment where you can fish, relax, and enjoy hot drinks while waiting for bites.
The shelters block wind and retain heat, making ice fishing accessible and enjoyable even for those who are not accustomed to extreme cold. Most guests are surprised at how comfortable the experience is inside the shelter.
For those who prefer the open-air experience, you are welcome to fish outside the shelter. Many anglers enjoy drilling additional holes and moving between spots while the shelter serves as a warm base to return to.
Pricing
| Experience | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Half-day ice fishing (4 hrs) | $195 |
| Full-day ice fishing (6-8 hrs) | $295 |
| Burbot night session (evening, 4 hrs) | $225 |
| Anchorage Airport (ANC) pickup add-on | +$75 |
All gear, heated shelter, hot drinks, and transportation from Mat-Su Valley lodging included. Group discounts for 4+ anglers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ice fishing experience?
None at all. Your guide handles all setup — drilling holes, rigging rods, baiting hooks, and finding fish. Ice fishing is one of the most beginner-friendly forms of fishing in Alaska. We teach you everything on-site.
How cold will it be?
Temperatures range from -10 F to 30 F depending on the month. Our heated portable shelters keep you comfortable, and we provide a detailed gear list before your trip. Proper layering is key — we will help you prepare.
Is ice fishing safe?
Yes, with an experienced guide. We check ice thickness before every outing and only fish lakes with safe, stable ice (minimum 4 inches for foot traffic). Guides carry ice safety gear including picks, throw ropes, and communication equipment.
Can children ice fish?
Absolutely. Ice fishing is excellent for families. Kids love watching fish come up through the hole, and the heated shelter keeps everyone warm. We recommend ages 5 and up for the best experience.
What do I do with the fish I catch?
Most ice-caught fish in Mat-Su are catch-and-release, though some stocked lakes allow harvest. Your guide will know the current regulations. If you do keep fish, we can help with basic cleaning on-site.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, an Alaska fishing license is required. We can help you purchase one online before your trip. Non-resident licenses start at $25 for a one-day pass.
Book Your Ice Fishing Adventure
Tell us your dates and group size, and we will set up a private ice fishing trip on the best lake for current conditions.