Green Lake (Alaska)

About: Green Lake (Alaska)

Green Lake’s Angler’s Escape: Fishing in the Heart of Elmendorf AFB

Fishing in Green Lake, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, is a unique and thrilling experience. This serene lake, nestled within the base, offers anglers the opportunity to catch some of the most prized fish in the region. Whether you’re after the vibrant rainbow trout, the striking Arctic char, or the powerful landlocked chinook salmon, Green Lake provides a challenging yet rewarding environment for all levels of fishing enthusiasts.

Overview of the Water Body

Green Lake is a small, pristine lake located within Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska. The lake is surrounded by dense forest and features clear, cold waters that are fed by natural springs and seasonal runoff. The remote and well-protected location of Green Lake makes it an ideal habitat for a variety of fish species, particularly cold-water species that thrive in Alaska’s rugged environment. The lake is relatively deep with a rocky bottom, offering plenty of cover and feeding grounds for fish.

Fish Species

• Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Rainbow trout in Green Lake are known for their vibrant colors, featuring a pinkish-red lateral stripe running along their sides, and their athleticism in the water. These fish are a favorite among anglers for their spirited fights and the challenge they present.
  • Best Natural Baits: Salmon eggs, earthworms, and mealworms. These baits are particularly effective in Green Lake as they mimic the natural food sources of rainbow trout.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Small spinners, spoons, and flies. Lures that resemble small fish or insects are successful in attracting strikes from rainbow trout, especially when retrieved at varying speeds.
  • Best Method to Catch: Fly fishing and light tackle spinning are both effective methods for targeting rainbow trout. Focus on areas where the water is moving, such as near inlets or outlets, where trout are likely to be feeding. Early morning and late evening are prime times for catching rainbow trout in Green Lake.
• Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus): Arctic char are a cold-water species with a distinctive dark body, light spots, and a brilliant orange or red belly, especially during spawning season. These fish are strong fighters and are highly sought after for both their beauty and their taste.
  • Best Natural Baits: Shrimp, salmon eggs, and small baitfish. Arctic char are opportunistic feeders, and these baits are particularly effective in drawing them in.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Streamers, jigs, and small crankbaits. Lures that mimic small fish or shrimp work well when fished near the bottom or along drop-offs.
  • Best Method to Catch: Slow trolling or drift fishing with jigs or bait near the lake’s deeper sections is an effective technique for Arctic char. These fish tend to stay in colder, deeper waters, so fishing at depth is often necessary.
• Landlocked Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): Landlocked chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, are known for their impressive size and power. Unlike their ocean-going counterparts, these salmon spend their entire lives in freshwater. They are characterized by their silvery bodies and black mouths.
  • Best Natural Baits: Herring, anchovies, and roe. These baits are effective in mimicking the prey of chinook salmon and are particularly successful during spawning runs.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Large spoons, plugs, and flashers. Chinook salmon are attracted to lures that create a lot of movement and flash in the water, making these lures ideal.
  • Best Method to Catch: Trolling is the most effective method for catching landlocked chinook salmon in Green Lake. Use downriggers to get your lures to the right depth, as chinook salmon often stay in deeper waters. Varying your trolling speed can help entice strikes from these powerful fish.

Expert Techniques for Fishing in Green Lake

To enhance your fishing experience at Green Lake, consider these expert techniques:

• Depth Matters: Many of the fish species in Green Lake, particularly Arctic char and chinook salmon, are often found in deeper waters. Use a depth finder to locate schools of fish and adjust your tactics accordingly.
• Seasonal Changes: Fish behavior in Green Lake can vary with the seasons. During the warmer months, fish are more active and can be found closer to the surface, while in colder months, they tend to stay in deeper waters.
• Use the Right Tackle: Light to medium tackle is generally sufficient for most species in Green Lake. However, if targeting larger chinook salmon, consider using heavier gear to handle the size and strength of these fish.
• Stay Mobile: Don’t hesitate to move around the lake to find active fish. If one spot isn’t producing, try different depths and locations until you find where the fish are biting.
• Match the Hatch: Pay attention to the local insect and baitfish populations. Using baits and lures that mimic the natural prey of the fish in Green Lake can significantly improve your success.

Conclusion

Green Lake at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, is a hidden gem for anglers seeking a diverse and rewarding fishing experience. With its stunning scenery and abundant fish populations, including rainbow trout, Arctic char, and landlocked chinook salmon, the lake offers a perfect combination of challenge and beauty. By understanding the local fish species and employing expert techniques, you can make the most of your fishing adventure in this remarkable Alaskan water body.