Fishing at Elks Lake, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska

• Overview

  Elks Lake lies within the bounds of Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska. The surroundings are lake country bush. About 9 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Our Matanuska-Susitna Borough list holds plenty of bigger water. The closest town, Sutton-Alpine, is 4.9 miles distant. Beyond it, Farm Loop at 5.5 miles and Lazy Mountain at 6.2 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Elks Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Records held for Matanuska-Susitna Borough cover rainbow trout, Coho salmon, sockeye salmon and longnose sucker. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. At Elks Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 55°F, while January sits near 15°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late April. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about early November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. That shapes the year on Elks Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Seventeenmile Lake, 2.4 miles away. Check the position on Elks Lake before loading the car.