Koole Lake (winter access only)

The feel

Koole Lake is a remote stocked lake that you can reach only by a winter trail across the Tanana River. It is not reachable by vehicle in summer at all, and there are no facilities at the lake.

This is a genuinely remote trip, not a roadside stop. You get there by snowmachine or a long ski or snowshoe approach, then ice fish with an auger and jigging gear. Crowds are low.

What to expect

Water and access

Trailhead at Mile 306.2 Richardson Highway, south of Birch Lake. The trail crosses the Tanana River.

Species and timing

Stocked Arctic char, November through March, winter access only. Arctic grayling, landlocked salmon and rainbow trout are also in the lake.

Methods and gear

Ice fishing with an ice auger and jigging gear. Approach by snowmachine, or on long skis or snowshoes.

License and rules

Tanana River Drainage, stocked lake. Check current stocked-lake limits before you go.

Crowds and best time

Crowds are low.

Hazards

The trail is only usable when the Tanana River is safely frozen.

Bathrooms and water

No facilities at the lake.

Season and access

Winter only, by the frozen Tanana River crossing. Not summer-accessible by trail.

Mingo says

Go between November and March, and only once the river crossing is solid. Summer is not an option here.

Before you go

• Check ice conditions on the Tanana crossing before you leave the trailhead.
• Check the current stocked-lake limits for the Tanana River Drainage.
• Bring an ice auger, jigging gear and a way to cover the long approach.

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