What Sarkar Lake offers anglers

Sarkar Lake sits in the backcountry of Prince of Wales Island, roughly 30 miles northeast of Hyder, and holds cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char in a setting that demands serious planning. The lake itself is small—roughly 2 miles long—and sits at about 1,500 feet elevation in terrain thick with spruce and hemlock. Access is by floatplane only, which means the cost and logistics of getting there eliminate casual day trips. Most anglers fly in for multi-day trips, camping on the lakeshore or staying at one of the few cabins in the area.

The cutthroat here run small to medium, typically 8 to 14 inches, and respond to small spinners, spoons, and fly patterns that imitate local insects. Dolly Varden are present but less predictable than the cutthroat. The lake's real draw is solitude and the chance to fish water that sees few anglers in a year. Weather in Southeast Alaska changes fast—rain, wind, and fog can roll in within hours—so the fishing window depends as much on conditions as on fish activity.

Key Takeaways

  • Sarkar Lake is accessible only by floatplane from Ketchikan or nearby communities, with round-trip costs typically ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on your charter operator.
  • Cutthroat trout are the primary target, responding best to small spinners and spoons in the 1/8- to 1/4-ounce range, particularly near drop-offs and creek inlets.
  • Most successful trips are three to five days long, allowing time for weather delays and multiple fishing days on the lake.
  • You will need to bring or arrange camping gear, food, and water treatment; no services exist at the lake itself.
  • The Alaska Department of Fish and Game does not require a special permit for Sarkar Lake, but you must carry a valid Alaska fishing license.

Getting there by floatplane

Your only realistic route to Sarkar Lake is a floatplane charter. Ketchikan, about 60 miles south, is the main hub for charters serving the area. Several operators run regular flights to remote lakes in Southeast Alaska, and most can land directly on Sarkar Lake if weather permits. Flight time from Ketchikan is roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Costs vary by operator and fuel prices, but expect to pay $800 to $1,500 or more for a round-trip charter for two to four people, split among the group.

Book your charter well in advance—ideally two to three months before your planned trip. Operators fill up quickly during the peak season from June through September. When you call, ask the operator about their experience with Sarkar Lake specifically, what the typical weather window is for the dates you want, and whether they offer drop-off-and-pickup service or if they stay with you. Some charters will land you and return on a set date; others can arrange flexible pickups if weather delays you.

Weather is the wildcard. Southeast Alaska's maritime climate means fog, rain, and wind can ground floatplanes for days. Most operators build in a weather buffer and will reschedule if conditions don't allow safe flying. Ask about their cancellation and rescheduling policy before you book.

What to bring and how to prepare

Sarkar Lake has no developed facilities, cabins, or services. You are responsible for everything: shelter, food, water, and waste. Most anglers bring a three-season tent, sleeping bag rated for cool nights (temperatures can dip into the 40s even in summer), and a camp stove. Bring more food than you think you'll need—weather delays happen, and you don't want to run short. Water from the lake should be treated with a filter or boiling before drinking.

Pack your fishing gear in a waterproof bag or dry bag. Floatplanes have weight limits, so check with your charter operator about baggage allowances. Bring a mix of small spinners (1/8 to 1/4 ounce), spoons, and a few fly patterns—small nymphs and streamers work well. Bring more than you think you'll lose; snags and wind happen. A lightweight rod rated for 4- to 6-pound line is ideal for cutthroat of this size.

Rain gear is essential. Southeast Alaska rain is not a maybe—it's a when. Waterproof jacket, rain pants, and waterproof boots will keep you fishing when others are stuck in camp. Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes and no-see-ums, which can be fierce in early summer. A headlamp, first-aid kit, and map of the area round out the essentials.

Fishing tactics for cutthroat and Dolly Varden

Cutthroat trout in Sarkar Lake respond best to small, moving lures. Cast spinners and spoons along the shoreline, particularly near creek mouths where water enters the lake and around rocky points. Work the lures slowly and deliberately—these fish are not aggressive, and a fast retrieve often produces nothing. Early morning and late evening are most productive, though cutthroat will bite throughout the day if you're fishing the right structure.

Fly fishing works well if you have the skill. Small nymphs (size 12 to 16) and streamers in black, olive, or brown imitate the insects and small fish the cutthroat eat. Fish near the drop-offs where the lake bottom falls away sharply; that's where the bigger fish tend to hold. A sinking or intermediate line helps you reach deeper water.

Dolly Varden are present but less predictable. They prefer slightly faster water and are more likely to be found near inlet streams than in open water. Fish the same small lures you use for cutthroat, but focus your effort on current and moving water. Dolly Varden are tougher fighters than cutthroat of the same size, so you may notice the difference in how they take a lure.

Best time to fish Sarkar Lake

The fishing season runs roughly from June through September, with July and August offering the most stable weather and longest daylight hours. June can be productive but weather is less predictable, and water levels may still be high from snowmelt. September sees fewer anglers and can produce excellent fishing, but weather deteriorates and daylight shortens quickly.

Water temperature affects fish activity. In early summer, cutthroat may be sluggish as the lake warms from snowmelt. By mid-July, the water has warmed enough to trigger more consistent feeding. Late summer (August and early September) often produces the most reliable fishing, as the lake reaches its warmest and fish are actively feeding in preparation for fall.

Regulations and licensing

You must carry a valid Alaska fishing license. Non-residents can purchase a 14-day license or an annual license through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or at sporting goods stores in Ketchikan before you fly out. The license is inexpensive and required—enforcement is rare at remote lakes, but the license is your legal right to fish.

Sarkar Lake has no special restrictions beyond the statewide regulations. Check the current Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary for any changes to bag limits or seasonal closures before you go. Cutthroat trout typically have a daily bag limit of 5 fish, and Dolly Varden have a similar limit, but regulations can change. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game website has the current rules.

Logistics and timing for a multi-day trip

Plan for a minimum of three days on the water—one day to fly in and set up camp, one or two full fishing days, and one day for the return flight. A five-day trip gives you three solid fishing days and a buffer for weather. Most anglers find that three to five days is the sweet spot: long enough to justify the cost and logistics, short enough to fit into a typical vacation schedule.

Coordinate your trip around the floatplane operator's schedule. Most charters run on fixed schedules during peak season, so your dates may be limited to certain days of the week. Off-season (late May or early October) may offer more flexibility but less predictable weather and shorter daylight hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Sarkar Lake as a day trip from Hyder?

Technically yes, but it's not practical. The floatplane flight alone is 45 minutes to an hour each way, and you'd spend most of your day traveling. A minimum three-day trip makes much better use of the charter cost and gives you actual time to fish.

What's the average size of fish in Sarkar Lake?

Cutthroat trout typically run 8 to 14 inches, with occasional fish reaching 16 inches. Dolly Varden are similar in size. These are not trophy fish, but they're healthy and willing to bite in a remote, beautiful setting.

Do I need a guide, or can I fish on my own?

You can fish on your own if you're comfortable navigating backcountry camping and reading water. Many anglers hire a guide for their first trip to learn the lake's productive areas and local tactics. Guides can be arranged through charter operators or independently.

What happens if weather keeps me from flying out on my scheduled date?

Your charter operator will reschedule the pickup for the next flyable day. This is why you should build extra food and supplies into your trip plan and have flexibility in your return date if possible. Most operators include a weather delay buffer in their standard terms.

Are there cabins at Sarkar Lake, or do I have to camp?

There are no developed cabins at Sarkar Lake itself. You will need to camp. Some nearby lakes in the region have public-use cabins managed by the U.S. Forest Service, but Sarkar Lake is backcountry camping only.