Tom Lake in City and Borough of Wrangell: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Tom Lake sits in City and Borough of Wrangell, out in Alaska. The land about it is rolling bush. It measures about 35 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. There is roughly 1.6 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. Most waters listed here for City and Borough of Wrangell are larger. 30 miles away sits Wrangell, the nearest town. Vancouver sits 602 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Tom Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. This is tidal water: the state of the tide decides where fish sit, so plan the session around it. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. On Tom Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 55°F in July and bottoms out near 24°F in January. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. That shapes the year on Tom Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Look for a notice board at the entrance. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Should this one be busy, Campbell Lake is 1.4 miles off. The position on Tom Lake is worth confirming on the day.