Styx Lake, Alaska: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Styx Lake is one of the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area waters in Alaska. The country round it is northern bush from end to end. Surface area runs to about 16 acres — small enough to read in one session. Most waters listed here for Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area are larger. For supplies, Willow is 101 miles out. It is 117 miles to Anchorage, the nearest city. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Styx Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Reported across Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area: bering cisco, least cisco and lake whitefish. The county list is broader than any single water. Styx Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 53°F; by January the average is down near 2°F. Open water arrives late and leaves early, which concentrates the fishing. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late May. Break-up near late May, freeze-up near mid October: that is the shape of an average year. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. On Styx Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Flahart Lake sits 3.7 miles off and takes the overflow. Rules at Styx Lake are worth checking on the day.