Alaska Ice Fishing: Remote Lakes, and a True Winter Adventure
- Ben Cox
- Nov 26, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 27
Alaska ice fishing is more than drilling a hole in the ice, it’s a full-on winter adventure. With vast frozen lakes, incredible fish species, and untouched wilderness, ice fishing in Alaska offers an experience you simply can’t find anywhere else.
At Solstice Adventure Company, our Alaska ice fishing trips go beyond the crowded, easy-access lakes. We travel farther out to remote lakes, where fishing pressure is lower and opportunities are better. That extra effort pays off with healthier fish, more consistent action, and a quieter, more authentic Alaska ice fishing experience.
Why Remote Lakes Matter for Alaska Ice Fishing
One of the biggest factors in successful Alaska ice fishing is location. Many lakes near town see heavy traffic all winter long, which can slow fishing down.
We intentionally fish the more remote lakes that easily within reach by vehicle, however. These waters:
See fewer anglers
Hold less pressured fish
Offer better chances at quality catches
Better chances of seeing wildlife, either on the drive or maybe a moose walking across the lake itself!
The result is better fishing, fewer crowds, and the kind of solitude people imagine when they think of ice fishing in Alaska.
“Why Are the Ice Fishing Rods So Small?”
One of the funniest questions we hear on nearly every trip is: “Why are the fishing rods so small?”
Ice fishing rods are short by design, allowing better control in tight spaces and increased sensitivity to feel light bites under the ice. And once someone hooks into a strong fish, especially in Alaska, they quickly realize those small rods pack plenty of power.
It’s always a good laugh, and usually followed by a surprised grin once the fish starts pulling back.
Fish Species You Can Catch Ice Fishing in Alaska
Alaska’s frozen lakes are home to an impressive mix of species and the ones we typically target, making Alaska ice fishing both diverse and exciting. Depending on conditions and location, you may catch:
Rainbow Trout – Strong fighters and a staple of Alaska ice fishing
Arctic Char – Brightly colored, aggressive, and incredibly rewarding to catch
Stocked Chinook Salmon – Powerful fish that feel huge on ice gear
Stocked Coho Salmon – Fast, energetic, and always a surprise through the ice
Burbot – One of the most prized ice fishing species in Alaska
Burbot: A Prized Catch of Alaska Ice Fishing
For many anglers, including me, burbot are the ultimate Alaska ice fishing target, Burbot are a cold-water cod species that thrive under the ice, becoming especially active during winter. Alaska is one of the best places in the world to catch burbot, and ice fishing is the prime method. I have spent many years in Alaska chasing the elusive Burbot and have been lucky to have a shelf in my freezer dedicated to them at one point of my life!
Beyond the fight, burbot are famous for their quality as table fare. Often called “poor man’s lobster,” burbot have firm, white meat that is mild, rich, and incredibly versatile. Fried, smoked, or pan-seared, they’re widely considered one of the best-eating freshwater fish in Alaska, and a true reward after a successful day on the ice.
Experience the Best Alaska Ice Fishing Has to Offer
Our guided Alaska ice fishing trips are designed to give you more than just a chance to catch fish. From traveling to remote lakes to staying warm in heated shelters, every detail is focused on comfort, safety, and maximizing your time on the ice.
Whether you’re new to ice fishing or hoping to catch species like burbot, Arctic char, or trout, Alaska delivers unforgettable winter fishing—and we’d love to show you why! Book a trip with us, we would love to take you out on the ice!
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