Bonnie Lake (Glenn Highway)

The feel

Bonnie Lake is a scenic backroad lake past Chickaloon, reached by 1.8 miles of rough gravel off the Glenn Highway. A small dock juts into the water beside a gravel boat launch, and there is an outhouse at the lake.

The lake holds stocked rainbow trout and Arctic grayling, and the washboard drive is the price of admission. Crowds are low.

What to expect

Water and access

Bonnie Lake Road runs 1.8 miles of rough gravel north off the Glenn Highway near Mile 83, northeast of Palmer. A small dock and a gravel boat launch are at the lake.

Species and timing

Rainbow trout, 10-14 in, in June, July and September. Arctic grayling, 8-13 in, in June and July.

Methods and gear

Spin, bait, fly, bank, ice and troll all work here.

License and rules

Northern Cook Inlet (Mat-Su) Area rules apply. Verify current rules before you fish.

Crowds and best time

Low crowds, with the open window running June to September.

Parking

A gravel pull-out on the right side of the road serves as parking.

Hazards

The road is rough gravel, and high clearance helps.

Bathrooms and water

An outhouse at the lake.

Season and access

June to September, by Bonnie Lake Road just north of Chickaloon.

Mingo says

Aim for June or July, when both the rainbows and the grayling are running. September still favors the rainbows. Take the gravel slowly, since the washboard is the hard part.

Before you go

• Bring a spin, bait or fly rod; bank, ice and troll methods all work.
• Check Alaska Department of Fish and Game rules for the Northern Cook Inlet (Mat-Su) Area.
• Pack a vehicle with some clearance for the 1.8 miles of rough gravel.

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