Finger Lake is a shallow, weedy warmwater lake best for pike, perch, and panfish in summer and fall

Finger Lake sits about 15 miles northeast of Wasilla and holds northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish in water that rarely exceeds 30 feet deep. The lake is roughly 3 miles long and narrow, with extensive weed beds that make it excellent for pike hunting but challenging to navigate without knowing where the open channels run. Summer water temperatures climb into the 60s Fahrenheit, which brings pike to the shallows and keeps perch active all day. The lake is accessible by road and has a public boat launch on the south end, making it a straightforward half-hour drive from Wasilla if you have a boat.

The character of Finger Lake changes sharply between seasons. In June and July, the weed growth is so thick that you can only fish the deeper slots between vegetation or the open water near the launch. By late August, some of the weeds die back and pike move into slightly deeper water along weed edges. Fall fishing—September through early October—is often the most productive because water temperatures drop into the 50s, pike feed aggressively before winter, and the weeds have thinned enough to cast without constant snags.

Key Takeaways

  • Finger Lake holds northern pike and yellow perch year-round, with pike fishing best in fall when water cools and weeds thin.
  • The lake is shallow and heavily weeded, so you need a shallow-draft boat or canoe and should fish the open channels and weed edges rather than trying to push through vegetation.
  • A public boat launch on the south end provides access, and the lake is about 15 miles from Wasilla on a road that is passable in summer and fall but can be rough in spring.
  • Pike respond to large topwater lures and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range; perch bite on small jigs and live minnows near deeper structure.
  • No special permit is required beyond a valid Alaska fishing license, and the lake has no motorboat restrictions, though shallow water and weeds limit how fast you can safely run.

Getting There and Launching

From Wasilla, take the Parks Highway north toward Denali, then turn east on Trunk Road. Follow Trunk Road for about 12 miles until you see the Finger Lake access sign; the road becomes rougher the last 2 miles, with potholes and washboard common in spring and after heavy rain. The public launch is a single-lane gravel ramp on the south shore, maintained by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. There is no fee, no reservation system, and no facilities beyond the ramp itself—bring your own water and plan to use the lake as your only bathroom.

The launch can get muddy in early summer when snowmelt is still running, and the parking area holds about eight vehicles. If you do not have a boat, Finger Lake is fishable from shore in a few spots near the launch, though the weed beds make it difficult to reach deeper water where pike hold. A canoe or small jon boat with a shallow-draft motor (or a paddle) is ideal because the lake averages 8 to 12 feet deep and has many spots where a standard 20-inch draft will hit bottom.

Pike Fishing in the Weed Beds

Northern pike in Finger Lake are aggressive and abundant, with fish in the 18- to 28-inch range common and occasional fish pushing 35 inches. They hunt in the open water between weed beds and along the edges where vegetation meets deeper channels. In summer, fish the early morning and late evening hours when pike move into shallower water to feed; midday, they retreat to the deepest open slots or under dense weed mats where you cannot reach them without snagging constantly.

Use large topwater lures—6-inch Suick-style baits, Jitterbug-type poppers, or large soft plastics in the 5- to 6-inch range—because pike in weedy lakes respond to commotion and visibility. Cast parallel to weed edges rather than into the weeds themselves; a pike will follow a lure along the edge and strike in open water. If you hook a fish in or near weeds, keep your rod tip high and reel steadily to pull it away from vegetation before it wraps you off. Expect to lose some lures to weeds, and carry spares.

Fall fishing (late September through October) is when Finger Lake shines for pike. Water temperature drops into the 50s, weeds thin significantly, and pike feed heavily in preparation for winter. Fish the deeper channels and the edges of remaining weed beds during the middle of the day, when pike are most active. Topwater lures still work, but soft plastics and crankbaits that dive to 6 to 10 feet will also produce, and you will have fewer snags because the weeds are less dense.

Perch and Panfish in Deeper Water

Yellow perch are abundant in Finger Lake and provide consistent action when pike are slow. They school in water 12 to 20 feet deep, often near the deeper slots between weed beds or along the few hard-bottom areas on the lake. Fish small jigs—1/16- to 1/8-ounce heads with soft plastic bodies in white, chartreuse, or natural colors—and work them slowly near the bottom. Perch will also bite live minnows suspended under a bobber in slightly shallower water (8 to 12 feet) near weed edges.

Panfish—bluegill and pumpkinseed—are present but less abundant than perch. They hold in the shallower weed beds (4 to 8 feet) and respond to small jigs, flies, and live insects. Panfish fishing is best in early summer before the weeds become too thick, and in fall when the weeds thin. They are not the main draw at Finger Lake, but they provide a backup option if pike are not cooperating.

Tackle and Technique for Finger Lake Conditions

Bring a medium-heavy spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) spooled with 15- to 20-pound braided line for pike fishing; braided line cuts through weeds better than monofilament and gives you better hooksets in thick vegetation. A 12-inch steel leader between your line and lure will prevent pike teeth from cutting through your knot, though some anglers skip it to avoid spooking fish in clear water—Finger Lake's water is moderately clear, so a leader is worth using.

For perch, a light spinning rod (5 to 6 feet) with 6- to 8-pound monofilament is sufficient. Bring a depth finder or fish finder if you have one; it will help you locate the deeper channels and the hard-bottom areas where perch school. Without one, you will spend time probing with your jig to find the right depth, which is slower but still productive.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Alaska fishing license to fish Finger Lake. Licenses are available online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, at sporting goods stores in Wasilla, or at the Wasilla office of Fish and Game. There is no special permit for Finger Lake, and no motorboat restrictions apply, though the shallow water and weeds naturally limit how fast you can run safely.

Bag limits for northern pike are generous in this area—you can keep up to 10 pike per day with no minimum size, though most anglers practice catch-and-release for fish under 24 inches to maintain the fishery. Perch have a 30-fish daily limit. Check the current Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations before you go, as limits can change year to year.

When to Fish and What to Bring

Finger Lake is best fished from June through October. June and July offer long daylight hours but thick weeds and slower pike fishing; August is a transition month with improving conditions; September and October are peak season for pike, with cooler water, thinner weeds, and aggressive feeding. Winter ice fishing is possible but requires specialized equipment and knowledge of ice safety—most anglers focus on the open-water season.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses to cut glare off the water and spot pike cruising the shallows. Bring more water than you think you need, a first-aid kit, and a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to fish early morning or evening. The access road can be rough, so check your vehicle's tire pressure and bring a spare. Mosquitoes are heavy in June and July, so insect repellent is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Finger Lake without a boat?

Yes, but with limitations. The shore near the launch is fishable for panfish and perch, and you can wade into shallow water to cast for pike along the edges. However, most of the lake's best pike habitat is in the deeper channels between weed beds, which you cannot reach from shore. A canoe or small boat opens up the entire lake.

What is the best time of day to fish for pike?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late evening (6 p.m. to dark) are most productive in summer because pike move into shallower water to feed. In fall, pike feed throughout the day as water cools, so midday fishing is also worthwhile. Avoid the middle of the day in summer unless you are fishing deep channels.

Do I need a guide to fish Finger Lake?

No. The lake is small enough to explore on your own, and pike are aggressive enough that you will find fish without a guide. If you are unfamiliar with weedy lakes or want to learn the best spots faster, a local guide can save time, but it is not necessary for success.

What should I do if my boat gets stuck in the weeds?

Tilt your motor up, use a pole or paddle to push yourself free, and restart the motor once you are in open water. Avoid gunning the engine in weeds because you risk wrapping vegetation around the prop. If you are truly stuck, use your pole to push toward deeper water or call for help on your radio.

Is the access road passable in winter?

The road to Finger Lake is not maintained in winter and becomes impassable for most vehicles after the first heavy snow. Winter access requires a snowmobile or four-wheel-drive vehicle with winter tires. Most anglers focus on summer and fall fishing.