Craig Lake

The feel

Craig Lake is a small stocked rainbow trout lake near Delta Junction. You reach it on foot, by a short trail through birch forest that leaves a dirt road off the Alaska Highway.

It is a bank fishery, suited to light spinning gear or a fly rod. Crowds are low, and the lake sits in the Tanana River Drainage, so it follows the stocked-lake rules for that zone.

What to expect

Water and access

Turn southwest at the stop sign post at Mile 1387.7 Alaska Highway and follow the dirt road 1 mile to the trailhead sign on the west side of the road. From there a 0.4-mile trail through birch forest leads to the lake.

Species and timing

Rainbow trout, stocked. Open water runs May through September.

Methods and gear

Bank fishing 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

Crowds are low.

Hazards

Private property borders the first 0.1 miles of the trail.

Season and access

Open water May through September.

Mingo says

Plan your trip between May and September, while the lake is open water. Pack light gear, since you carry everything in on foot.

Before you go

• Watch for the stop sign post at Mile 1387.7 Alaska Highway, then turn southwest.
• Expect a 1 mile dirt road to the trailhead sign.
• Respect the private property along the first 0.1 miles of the trail.
• Check the current stocked-lake limits before you cast.

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