Fishing at Thorne Lake, Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska

• Overview

  Thorne Lake sits in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, out in Alaska. The surface lies 184 feet up. About 326 acres, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. There is roughly 9.9 miles of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. Craig sits 25 miles from the bank. Wrangell is 51 miles and Ketchikan 53 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Thorne Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Open biodiversity records for Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area list pink salmon, Chum salmon, Chinook salmon, Coho salmon and sockeye salmon. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. The near bank of Thorne Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 56°F and January near 30°F. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Thorne Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Cutthroat Lakes, 3.2 miles away. Confirm before you fish Thorne Lake.