Go Fishing on Lake Clark

Ranger Recommendations

Remember that you are fishing in bear country. Bears have the right to prime fishing sites, as fish are a critical food source for them. Give bears plenty of time and room to fish. Make sure you know about the park's food (including harvested fish) storage requirements before you go.

Come prepared for unpredictable and often severe weather. Lake Clark is a BIG lake. Weather can change rapidly and due to its size, the lake can become as tumultuous as the sea. A calm day can quickly become rough in less than an hour. Keep an eye on the weather. Never go farther than you can safely return from if the weather shifts. Boating along the lakeshore can make it easier to get off the lake quickly if the weather changes. Boating in the middle of the lake or crossing the lake exposes you to higher risk.

Keep your safety in mind at all times. Each person in the boat must have a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on board the vessel, and we strongly recommend that PFDs be worn at all times. Alaskan waters are icy cold, even when air temperatures are warm. 

For more boating safety tips, check the State of Alaska Office of Boating Safety

 

Details

Duration

2-8 Hours

Activity

Fishing

Age(s)

10 and Older

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

The National Park does not charge any fees. However, you must possess all required Alaska state fishing licenses and tags, and you must comply with State of Alaska fishing regulations.

Location

Lake Clark, Alaska

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Fishing is popular both in summer and in winter if the lake freezes over. 

Time of Day

Night, Dawn, Dusk

Taking off from Port Alsworth for a day on the water.

NPS/T. Vaughn

Go Fish!

Lake Clark is a 42 mile long body of water ringed by glacially carved hanging valleys and snow-capped peaks. Take off from Port Alsworth on your boat or in a plane to various locations on the lake for a day of fishing. Watch floatplanes fly overhead, birds soaring, and salmon jumping from the water as you wait to catch a bite. Bring snacks, your favorite angler friends and experience the namesake of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.

Lake Clark supports cold, clear water that is important spawning and rearing habitat for many species of fish. The lake that gets to a depth of 870 feet, with several opportunities to find nice bays and shallow reefs for fishing whatever your mode of travel.