Chatanika River, Whitefish Campground & boat launch

The feel

Whitefish Campground sits on the north side of the Chatanika River bridge on the Elliott Highway, the quickest public access to the river. It is a year-round grayling fishery, with grayling typically 12 to 16 inches and good all summer.

A modest run of king, silver and chum salmon comes through from late July through October, and the river also holds whitefish, pike and burbot. The campground has 25 campsites, a picnic shelter, outhouses and drinking water, so there is a place to camp and launch in the same spot. In winter, anglers use set lines or jigging to fish for burbot through the ice.

What to expect

Water and access

North side of the Chatanika River bridge on the Elliott Highway near Mile 11, with a campground and boat launch.

Species and timing

Grayling all summer, typically 12 to 16 inches. Salmon run late July through October when open. Whitefish, pike and burbot are also in the river.

Methods and gear

Bank, boat, fly, spin and ice. Spinning gear or a fly rod in open water; set lines or jigging for burbot through the ice.

License and rules

Salmon runs and limits are modest and regulated by emergency order in some years. Verify before you go.

Crowds and best time

Moderate crowds. Grayling are good all summer.

Bathrooms and water

Outhouses and drinking water at the campground.

Season and access

Open year-round for grayling. Campground and launch are about 18 miles north of Fairbanks.

Mingo says

Come all summer for grayling. For salmon, go only when the runs are open, and check for emergency orders first.

Before you go

• Camp at one of the 25 campsites if you plan to stay overnight.
• Check the current Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations and emergency orders for the Chatanika River.
• Bring spinning gear or a fly rod for open water, or set lines for burbot through the ice.

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