Nickel Lake

The feel

Nickel Lake is a small stocked lake on the Donnelly Training Area southwest of Delta Junction. You fish it from the bank, with light spinning gear or a fly rod, and crowds are low.

The water holds Arctic char, Arctic grayling, lake trout and rainbow trout, so you have more than one kind of fish to try for. There are no facilities, and the land is Army land, so you come prepared.

What to expect

Water and access

Small stocked lake on Army land. From Mile 257.6 Richardson Highway, turn west onto Meadows Road. At mile 7.5 turn left onto Windy Ridge Road and go 3.1 miles. The lake is on the south side of the road.

Species and timing

Arctic char, Arctic grayling, lake trout and rainbow trout. Rainbow trout are stocked and present May through September.

Methods and gear

Bank fishing with light spinning gear or a fly rod.

License and rules

A Recreational Access Permit is required (usartrak.isportsman.net, or 907-873-1616 in Delta). Check current stocked-lake limits before you go.

Crowds and best time

Crowds are low.

Bathrooms and water

No facilities.

Season and access

Open water May through September.

Mingo says

Go any time from May through September, when the water is open and the rainbow trout are in. Get your access permit sorted before you drive out.

Before you go

• Get a Recreational Access Permit at usartrak.isportsman.net, or call 907-873-1616 in Delta.
• Check the current stocked-lake limits for the Tanana River Drainage.
• Bring light spinning gear or a fly rod.
• Plan for no facilities at the lake.

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