Lake Creek (Yentna)

The feel

Lake Creek is a classic fly-in float through clear water, a tributary of the Yentna. You take a floatplane from Anchorage or Willow to the lower creek.

Multi-day float trips run from Lake Creek down to the Yentna. Kings come in June, and silvers and rainbows follow in August. Crowds run medium. Pinks and chum are in the creek as well, and anglers fish with spin, bait or fly gear, from a drift boat or from the bank.

What to expect

Water and access

Fly-in only. Floatplane from Anchorage or Willow to the lower creek, then multi-day floats down to the Yentna.

Species and timing

Chinook in June at 15-40 lb. Coho in August at 6-12 lb. Rainbow trout of 12-20 in in August and September. Pinks and chum are also present.

Methods and gear

Spin, bait, fly, drift boat or bank.

License and rules

Check the king retention emergency order each season. The creek is in the Northern Cook Inlet (Mat-Su) Area.

Crowds and best time

Medium crowds.

Season and access

June to August, by floatplane only.

Mingo says

Come in June for strong king runs. Come in August for silvers and rainbows.

Before you go

• Book a floatplane from Anchorage or Willow.
• Check the king retention emergency order for the season.
• Call the Sport Fish Information Center in Anchorage at (907) 267-2218 with rules questions.

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