Paxson Lake

The feel

Paxson Lake is a large, clear lake of 3,849 acres with a maximum depth of 200 feet, lying along the Richardson Highway at mile 180. It is easily navigated with either prop or jet boats.

The highway parallels the eastern shore and offers three separate pullouts with lake access. Fishing is possible all year, in summer and winter and even during breakup from shore. In winter there are locations for snow machining.

What to expect

Water and access

The Richardson Highway parallels the eastern shore with three separate pullouts that reach the lake. BLM maintains a campground at mile 175 of the Richardson highway with a well maintained boat launch. Two other primitive boat launches lie toward the northern end of the lake.

Species and timing

Arctic grayling, lake trout, burbot and whitefish. The lake is fishable winter and summer, and from shore during breakup.

Methods and gear

Prop or jet boats work on the lake. In winter there are locations for snow machining.

Season and access

Easily accessible all year.

Mingo says

Choose your season by how you want to fish. Summer suits boats from the maintained launch, and winter suits snow machines. Breakup still allows fishing from shore.

Before you go

• Use the BLM campground at mile 175 for the well maintained boat launch.
• Call the ADF&G Glennallen Area Office at 907-822-3309 with questions about this lake.
• Know the two primitive launches near the northern end if you want another put-in.

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