Birch Lake

The feel

Birch Lake is a large road-accessible lake near Salcha, stocked with king salmon, grayling and rainbow trout. It has a sand beach, a public boat launch and primitive camping, and it draws high crowds.

The state recreation site covers 191 acres between a lily pad covered lake and forested wetlands. You can fish from the bank or a boat in open water, and through the ice in winter.

What to expect

Water and access

The lake sits directly north of the highway at Mile 305.3 to 306 Richardson Highway. A public pull-off, parking, boat launch, sand beach and primitive camping are on site.

Species and timing

King salmon, Arctic grayling and rainbow trout. Rainbow trout are stocked May through September.

Methods and gear

Bank, boat and ice fishing with spinning gear or a fly rod. Open-water fishing is best from a boat.

License and rules

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

Crowds and best time

Crowds are high.

Parking

A public pull-off and parking area are on site. No fee found for day use.

Hazards

The road to the lake and cabin is not plowed in winter and needs a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.

Season and access

Open water May through September, with ice fishing in winter. Ice fishing huts are available for rent.

Mingo says

Fish from a boat in the open-water months, May through September. Come back in winter if you prefer ice fishing.

Before you go

• Watch for the turnoff near Mile 305.3 to 306 Richardson Highway.
• Bring a 4-wheel-drive vehicle in winter, because the road to the lake is not plowed.
• Rent an ice fishing hut if you plan to fish through the ice.
• Check the current stocked-lake limits before you fish.

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