Mat-Su Outdoors: Frozen lakes lure local anglers

Jan. 9, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH/ Frontiersman

MAT-SU - For some, the angling bug bites so hard and deep that even an entire summer and fall spent on the water isn't enough to scratch the fishing itch. Luckily for these hardy few, the gas-powered ice augur was invented.

Ice fishing in the Valley is in full swing these days, with dozens of lakes throughout the region full of hungry salmon, trout and char ready to take the bait. But as with any type of fishing, there's always a few tricks to keep in mind before heading out onto the ice.

The first thing to think is location. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game stocks many lakes in the area with trout and landlocked salmon, and these lakes are always a good bet. A full listing of stocked lakes is available in the department's current regulations booklet. Another way to find a good fishing hole is either ask someone who knows or watch to see where people fish.

Steve Runyan of Three Rivers Fly and Tackle in Wasilla said Finger and Big Lake are two of the most popular ice fishing spots in the Valley, as well as Lake Lucille in Wasilla. Runyan said fishing throughout the area has been good this year, although different lakes yield different results.

&#8220Finger Lake is good for quantity, Big Lake is better quality,” he said. &#8220There are some really large char in Big Lake.”

Although Dollies can be had in good numbers on Finger Lake, biologist Craig Bear said fishing for landlocked salmon is down this year because Fish and Game was unable to stock king salmon there because of a poor crop of hatchery fish.

A typical ice fishing rig usually consists of a flashy jig or spinner baited with shrimp, salmon eggs or nightcrawlers. Bait is allowed on most lakes in the region, although Big Lake has a no-bait restriction.

Although ice-fishing rods can be bought fairly cheap, a stout stick with a long line attached usually works just as well. Most lakes allow for multiple lines, so using this method is a bit more cost-effective.

On a cold, windy New Year's Day, Wasilla angler Nikolai Mikhaylynk had most of Lake Lucille to himself - although solitude wasn't exactly leading to great success. Standing over several holes, Mikhaylynk only caught one small rainbow trout in a couple hours of fishing, despite using several different lures and baits.

&#8220Not good,” he said.

Mikyaylynk's timing may have had something to do with unfilled stringer. Like other animals, Runyan said fish tend to hunker down when storms blow through.

&#8220It does have a lot to do with the weather,” he said. &#8220If you hit it just right the fish are really active. But they do get pretty lethargic when the barometer settles down.”

Ice thickness in the Valley is now approaching three feet on most lakes, which means a gas augur is the best way to get down to the fish. Lacking one, however, Runyan said there are other ways to get through the ice. He recommended a &#8220spud bar,” which is simply a metal rod that can be used to poke through previously-drilled holes on popular lakes.

Ice is thick enough to bring vehicles onto, although recent snowfall has made travel difficult or impossible on most, although Big Lake does have a plowed road across it.

Other common tools that can help make an ice fishing excursion a success include a scoop for clearing ice from the holes, plenty of warm clothes and perhaps a portable tent or ice-hut to keep the wind off.

Anglers who have yet to get out yet this winter should also remember that a new, 2007 fishing license is required. And as with any fishing trip, it's always a good idea to check current regulations before heading out.