Chena Lake

The feel

Chena Lake sits inside the Chena Lakes Recreation Area, run by the Fairbanks North Star Borough. The park has campsites, nature trails, swimming beaches and bike paths, so a fishing trip can share the day with a walk or a swim.

In winter the borough parks department rents ice fishing houses. The lake is open year-round for rainbow trout, Arctic char, Arctic grayling and chinook salmon. The turn is 3.3 miles up Laurance Rd from Mile 346.8 on the Richardson Highway.

What to expect

Water and access

Lake in the Chena Lakes Recreation Area. From Mile 346.8 Richardson Hwy, turn north onto Laurance Rd, drive 3.3 miles and turn left at the sign to the lake park.

Species and timing

Rainbow trout, Arctic char, Arctic grayling and chinook salmon, year-round.

Methods and gear

Ice fishing houses can be rented from the borough parks department.

Season and access

Open year-round. Summer fees apply for access.

Mingo says

Choose summer for swimming beaches and campsites alongside your fishing. Come in winter if you want to fish from a rented ice house.

Before you go

• Expect to pay a summer access fee at the park.
• Call the borough parks department to rent an ice fishing house.
• Watch for the lake park sign 3.3 miles up Laurance Rd and turn left.

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