What You'll Find at Cushman Lake

Cushman Lake sits about 30 miles south of Fairbanks in the Tanana Valley, a shallow, weedy lake that holds Arctic grayling and lake trout. The lake runs roughly 3 miles long and a mile wide, with depths reaching 40 feet in the deepest holes but averaging much shallower. The water stays cold year-round, and the surrounding terrain is typical interior Alaska — black spruce forest, muskeg, and low hills. Most anglers fish here between June and September when the ice is out and the weather is passable.

The grayling here run small to medium, typically 12 to 16 inches, though fish to 18 inches show up regularly. Lake trout are fewer but larger, and they hold deeper than the grayling. The lake's shallow weedy structure means you can wade in many spots, but a small boat or float tube gives you access to the deeper water where trout spend most of the year.

Key Takeaways

  • Cushman Lake holds Arctic grayling in the 12- to 16-inch range and lake trout in deeper water, both cold-water species that respond to small flies and spinners.
  • Access is by road to the lake's south end, then by foot or boat; there is no developed boat launch, so plan for a carry or use a float tube.
  • Peak fishing runs June through September, with grayling active in shallower water and trout deeper; water temperature and time of day matter more than season.
  • Bring insect repellent, rain gear, and a headlamp even in summer; interior Alaska weather changes fast and daylight extends into late evening.

How to Reach Cushman Lake from Fairbanks

From Fairbanks, take the Richardson Highway south toward Delta Junction. Cushman Lake Road branches east off the Richardson, roughly 30 miles south of town. Follow it to the lake's south end, where a small parking area sits near the water. The road is gravel and passable in summer, though it can be rough after rain. In winter, access is by snowmachine only.

Once at the lake, you can wade the shallow south end or carry a small boat or float tube to fish deeper water. There is no formal boat launch or dock. Many anglers use a 2-person raft or inflatable kayak because they are light enough to carry and stable enough for fly casting. If you plan to wade, wear felt-soled boots or waders with good grip — the bottom is soft and weedy in places.

Grayling Fishing in Shallow Water

Arctic grayling in Cushman Lake spend most of their time in water 4 to 12 feet deep, especially around weed beds and drop-offs. They are sight feeders and respond well to small dry flies and nymphs. Effective patterns include Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and small Parachute Hoppers in sizes 14 to 18. Grayling will also take small spinners — black, silver, and gold all work — cast and retrieved slowly through weedy areas.

Early morning and late evening are most productive, though grayling will feed throughout the day if clouds keep the sun off the water. The fish are not large, but they are eager and willing to take a fly repeatedly. Expect to catch and release a dozen or more in a good session. Use light tippet — 4X to 5X — because grayling have soft mouths and heavy gear will break them off.

Lake Trout in Deep Water

Lake trout in Cushman Lake stay deep most of the year, moving to 20 to 40 feet during the day. They are less abundant than grayling but larger, with fish in the 3- to 5-pound range not uncommon. Trout respond to jigging with small spoons and tube jigs, or to trolling with small plugs and spinners. If you are fly fishing, use a sinking line and small streamers in black, olive, or white.

The deepest water lies in the lake's center and north end. A small boat or float tube lets you reach these areas and work them systematically. Early summer, when the lake first opens, can be good for trout in shallower water as they move up to feed. By mid-July, they retreat to depth and require more effort to reach.

Seasonal Timing and Weather Considerations

Cushman Lake is ice-free from roughly early June through late September, though exact dates vary by year. June and early July are often the most productive months because the water is cooler and fish are more active. By August, the water warms slightly and fishing slows, though it picks up again in September as temperatures drop. Winter ice fishing is possible but requires snowmachine access and specialized gear.

Interior Alaska weather is unpredictable. Summer days can be warm and clear, but rain, wind, and cold can arrive within hours. Bring rain gear, a warm layer, and a headlamp even in June and July. Mosquitoes are fierce from mid-June through July, so insect repellent is essential. The sun stays high late into the evening, giving you long fishing hours, but it also means you need to manage sun exposure and bring sunscreen.

Gear and Tackle Recommendations

For grayling, a 5- to 6-weight fly rod works well, paired with a floating line and 4X to 5X tippet. Bring a selection of small dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. If you prefer spinning, use a light rod with 4- to 6-pound test and small spinners in the 1/8- to 1/4-ounce range. For trout, a 6- to 7-weight rod handles sinking lines and larger streamers, or switch to a spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound test for jigging.

A float tube or small raft expands your options significantly. Bring a net, forceps, and a small tackle box. Pack extra tippet, leaders, and flies because losing gear to weeds and fish is common. A thermometer helps you understand water temperature and predict where fish will be. Polarized sunglasses let you see fish in shallow water and spot structure.

Rules and Regulations for Interior Alaska

Cushman Lake falls under Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations for the interior region. Arctic grayling have a daily limit of 5 fish, and lake trout have a daily limit of 2 fish. Check the current Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations before you go, as limits and seasons can change. A valid Alaska fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older.

Catch-and-release is encouraged, especially for grayling, because the population is healthy and the fish are small. If you keep trout, they make good eating, but handle them carefully because they bruise easily. Pack out all trash and respect the land — Cushman Lake sits on public land managed by the state, and keeping it clean ensures future access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Cushman Lake in winter?

Yes, but access is by snowmachine only, and you need ice fishing gear and experience in cold-weather camping. The lake freezes solid by late October and stays frozen until May. Winter fishing can be productive, but it requires planning, proper equipment, and awareness of avalanche and overflow hazards.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning and late evening are most productive for grayling because the light is low and fish feed actively. Trout can be caught throughout the day, but they are deeper and require more effort. Overcast days are often better than clear, sunny days because fish are less spooky in low light.

Do I need a boat to fish Cushman Lake?

No, but wading is limited to the shallow south end. A float tube or small raft lets you reach deeper water and fish more of the lake. Many anglers wade the shallows for grayling and use a float tube for trout, which is an effective two-pronged approach.

How far is Cushman Lake from Fairbanks?

Cushman Lake is about 30 miles south of Fairbanks via the Richardson Highway and Cushman Lake Road. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on road conditions. The road is gravel and can be rough, so allow extra time in wet weather.

What should I bring for mosquitoes?

Insect repellent with DEET is essential from mid-June through July. Head nets and long sleeves help, and some anglers wear bug jackets over their waders. Mosquitoes are worst in calm, warm conditions and less active in wind and cool weather. Fish early morning or late evening when mosquitoes are less active.