Ballaine Lake

The feel

Ballaine Lake is a small, easy-to-reach stocked pond right off University Avenue near UAF. A small pavilion sits near the parking area, and parking is free. You can fish from the bank, with a fly or with a spinning rod, and crowds are moderate. It is a quick cast without leaving town. The pond is stocked with Arctic grayling, and it falls under the Tanana River Drainage stocked lake rules.

What to expect

Water and access

From University Avenue and College Road in Fairbanks, go north on University Avenue about 1 mile. The lake is on the west side of the road.

Species and timing

Arctic grayling, stocked and fished May through September.

Methods and gear

Bank, fly and spin, with light spinning gear or a fly rod.

License and rules

Tanana River Drainage, stocked lake. Check current stocked-lake limits before you go.

Crowds and best time

Moderate crowds.

Parking

Parking area by the lake, no fee. A small pavilion sits nearby.

Season and access

Open water May through September.

Mingo says

Come between May and September, when the water is open. The stocked grayling are the target here.

Before you go

• Park in the free lot on the west side of University Avenue.
• Check the current stocked-lake limits before you fish.
• Read the Fish and Game Emergency Orders, which always supersede the published regulations.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.