Lake Saint Nicholas near Craig: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Lake Saint Nicholas lies in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska. Tidal water begins 3 miles from here. At about 234 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. Some 4.3 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. 9.9 miles away sits Craig, the nearest town. Then Ketchikan, 50 miles, and Metlakatla, 56 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Lake Saint Nicholas

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area cover pink salmon, Chum salmon, Chinook salmon and Coho salmon. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Work Lake Saint Nicholas in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 55°F, with January the cold end at about 32°F. The season stretches long at both ends here. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. The season on Lake Saint Nicholas follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Klawock River at 5.5 miles is the sensible second choice. The position on Lake Saint Nicholas is worth confirming on the day.