Harding Lake State Recreation Area

The feel

Harding Lake is a large, road-accessible Interior lake near Salcha, stocked with Arctic char and rainbow trout, with burbot naturally present. The recreation area has a public boat launch, a swimming beach, picnicking and camping, and it draws high crowds.

You can fish from the bank or a boat in open water and through the ice in winter. Northern pike fishing is closed year-round.

What to expect

Water and access

Mile 321.5 Richardson Highway, then east onto Harding Drive. There is a public boat launch, with picnicking, camping and swimming.

Species and timing

Arctic char and rainbow trout are stocked, and rainbow trout run May through September. Burbot run October through May, with no size limit.

Methods and gear

Bank, boat and ice fishing with spinning gear or a fly rod. Use set lines or jigging for burbot in winter.

License and rules

Closed year-round to northern pike fishing. Check current stocked-lake limits for char and trout.

Crowds and best time

Crowds are high.

Season and access

Open water May through September, with ice fishing in winter. A day-use and camping fee applies.

Mingo says

Fish for trout in open water from May through September. Target burbot once the lake freezes.

Before you go

• Turn east onto Harding Drive at Mile 321.5 Richardson Highway.
• Expect to pay the day-use and camping fee.
• Check the current stocked-lake limits for char and trout.

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