Olnes Pond

The feel

Olnes Pond is a stocked pond off the Elliott Highway, reached by about 1 mile of dirt road, with picnic tables at the parking area. You fish from the bank with light spinning gear or a fly rod, and crowds are moderate.

The same parking area is also the trailhead for the Chatanika River. It is the closest public foot access to the river itself, and trails from the lot lead there on foot.

What to expect

Water and access

Mile 10 Elliott Highway, about 18 miles north of Fairbanks. Turn southwest onto a dirt road and go about 1 mile to the pond on the right. Picnic tables at the parking area.

Species and timing

Arctic grayling and rainbow trout. Rainbow trout are stocked and fished 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

Moderate crowds.

Parking

Parking area at the pond, shared with the trailhead to the Chatanika River.

Season and access

Open water May through September.

Mingo says

Plan your trip between May and September, when the water is open. Bring a fly rod or light spinning gear.

Before you go

• Check the current stocked-lake limits for the Tanana River Drainage before you cast.
• Expect a dirt road for about 1 mile after you turn southwest at Mile 10 Elliott Highway.
• Fish and Game Emergency Orders always supersede the published regulations, so read them first.

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