An ice fishing resurgence

My wife and I were surprised to see how many people were out ice fishing on Kepler and Bradley Lakes when we drove past this weekend. There were people fishing in very shallow water just out from the bridge between the two lakes. It made me wonder, if they did not trust the ice, and were fishing in shallow water close to shore where they could easily get out if they happened to break through. On the other hand there were people spread clear down to the far end of Kepler Lake, and when we drove back on our return trip, I could see there were tracks in the snow cover on the ice, where someone had been driving a vehicle.

My wife also spotted an ice fishing tent out on Junction Lake as we turned up the Parks Highway toward Wasilla. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, and she commented, “Why would someone want to be ice fishing in a tent on a day like this?”

That was a good question, as I certainly agreed with her, that if it were me, I would want to be ice fishing outside and enjoying the warm sunshine. I made the comment that, snow cover still lingering on the lakes was an indication that the ice was likely still solid.

A couple warm days later, and nearly all the snow cover had melted off the same lakes, but most of the ice still looked relatively good while driving by in our vehicle. There were some darker patches of ice — especially near the north shore on Kepler Lake that I would definitely avoid, however.

On Tuesday we made another trip to Wasilla, and could see several holes in the ice on Echo Lake, where people had been trying their luck. We also saw an individual ice fishing on Wasilla Lake in front of Harold Newcomb Park. If a person wants to get in another day or two of ice fishing for the season, now might be the time — but a person should be careful getting on and off the lake ice — and don’t even think about venturing out on ice covering flowing water or near an inlet / outlet stream.!

I saw some nice ice fishing pictures posted this week on Dustin Slinker’s thebaitshack.com website, along with a video of fish under the ice. Makes me want to get out and go!

When I talked with A.J. and Saul at 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle in Wasilla this week they both talked about how people had been getting out to go ice fishing during the recent warm sunny weather. Saul had been ice fishing on Big Lake, and said there was still plenty of solid ice, however, he also spoke a word of caution about getting on on off the ice — especially near the north shore. My own comment (people should leave their vehicles in the parking lot) if they do intend to venture out on a lake at this time. Be Careful.

Shrimp Season/Regulations Adjusted

In last week’s column I mentioned one of my nephews had invited me to go shrimp fishing with him and his brothers in Prince William Sound in April. Well, since I wrote that tidbit about shrimp fishing in Prince William Sound, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) issued an Advisory Announcement and Emergency Order adjusting the season starting date to May 1, along with other changes. People interested in this ship fishery should view the announcement/emergency order on the ADF&G website.

Matanuska Valley Fish and Game Advisory Committee Election Meeting

The annual election of members to this advisory committee will occur on Wednesday April 2, 2025 starting at 7 p.m. at VFW #9365 at 301 Lake View Avenue in Wasilla. Residents of the Upper Cook Inlet area over the age of 18 are eligible to vote. You may want to attend this meeting and elect committee members that will represent and work to protect your fishing and hunting interests. Perhaps you may want to run for a seat. Regular meetings usually occur from October until April. For more information contact Leila Williams with ADF&G at 907-267-2354.

Good luck and Fish On!