Local lakes provide recreational outlets during the summer

June 3, 2005

CASEY RESSLER/Valley Life editor

The king salmon are running, and many people are out in the Deshka River, the Little Susitna River or some other fishing spot, trying to haul in a whopper - which makes it the perfect time of the year to enjoy some of the Valley's lakes.

As much as the river, the golf course or the trail are symbols of Alaska's summer, lakes are the clear-cut winners for enthusiasts. If you don't golf, chances are you don't visit the course.

But if you don't fish, there are still plenty of reasons to get to the lake - from waterskiing to simply hanging out, as is the case at Wasilla Lake every summer day.

For weekend warriors looking to escape, the destination depends on how you want to spend your free time. If you want to spend your time casting to fish, you can try the Kepler-Bradley Lake system near Palmer, the Nancy Lake system near Willow. Getting people to talk about their favorite lakes for fishing, however, can be a challenge.

"You guard those kinds of secrets," John Treast, a Palmer resident who will admit to fishing in Canoe Lake but "that's all you're getting from me," said. "Good lakes get fished out so quickly that you can't afford to give that information away, even to friends, man."

If you are looking to waterski, ride personal watercraft or just scoot around the lake in general, there are plenty of choices.

In Wasilla, Lake Lucille, Finger Lake and Wasilla Lake are three very popular recreational areas.

Big Lake is another very popular choice with those looking to exercise their need for speed on the water.

Many lakes have motor and horsepower limits, so check ahead before planning a waterskiing trip.

Canoeists will find a great time in the Nancy Lakes system.

There are canoe portages between the many lakes, and you can spend an afternoon or a week exploring the many lakes - there are that many options. Throughout the system, there are public use cabins available through the Alaska State Parks, as well as day use and overnight camping facilities.

Smaller lakes, which are located in almost every nook and cranny of the Valley, are perfect for those looking to find a new swimming hole. Wasilla Lake is the most popular swimming hole in the Valley, but it is hardly the only one.

Spend a rainy day driving around the Valley exploring new lakes, and when the sun emerges, you will have a whole itinerary of new destinations.

Whenever you find yourself around the lake, whether it be fly fishing from a canoe or Jet-skiing around Big Lake, make sure to wear a personal flotation device.

Alaska has an incredibly high drowning rate, and many of those drownings can be prevented by a simple life preserver. The Kids Don't Float program has several stands located near Valley Lakes, with personal flotation devices available for use for free.