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

• Overview

  You will find Water Lake in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska. It sits 2.5 miles in from the sea. It covers about 9 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. On size it sits at the modest end of our Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area list. Start from Craig, 29 miles down the road. After that come Ketchikan at 42 miles and Metlakatla at 53 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Water Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Public occurrence data for Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area names pink salmon, Chum salmon and Chinook salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. At Water Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 57°F in August and bottom out at 31°F in January. In milder years the surface never sets. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Water Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Salamander Lake, 2.5 miles out. Signs at Water Lake carry more weight than any list.