McLees Lake near Dutch Harbor: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  McLees Lake belongs to Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska. It stands 10 feet above sea level. This is sizeable water at about 987 acres, and a boat opens up most of it. The edge covers about 6.1 miles, enough to hold several distinct areas. It is among the larger waters listed here for Aleutians West Census Area. Dutch Harbor is the closest place, 10 miles off. The big place round here is Anchorage, 795 miles distant. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on McLees Lake

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. This is tidal water: the state of the tide decides where fish sit, so plan the session around it. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Reported across Aleutians West Census Area: Atlantic cod, Atlantic horse mackerel and European grayling. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At McLees Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 50°F in August and bottom out at 30°F in February. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. McLees Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Failing this one, try Unalaska Lake, 12 miles away. For McLees Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.