Tanana River, Big Delta boat launch

The feel

The public boat launch at Big Delta sits at the Richardson Highway bridge over the Tanana River. It is the jumping-off point for the Delta Clearwater and Goodpaster rivers, and the Tanana itself is a burbot and whitefish fishery.

Chum and Chinook (king) salmon are also among the fish here. A riverboat is the way to reach the main channel, and anglers also fish from the bank. Open water runs May through October, and burbot fishing continues through the ice on set lines.

What to expect

Water and access

Public boat launch at the Richardson Highway bridge over the Tanana River at Big Delta. The launch is the starting point for the Delta Clearwater and Goodpaster rivers.

Species and timing

Burbot, whitefish, chum and Chinook (king). Burbot are in season every month of the year.

Methods and gear

Boat, bank and ice. A riverboat for the main channel and set lines for burbot.

License and rules

Bait is allowed in the mainstem Tanana but not in most tributaries. Burbot have no size limit.

Crowds and best time

Moderate crowds.

Season and access

Open water May through October; burbot fishing continues through the ice.

Mingo says

Launch between May and October for open water. Winter anglers drop set lines through the ice for burbot.

Before you go

• Check current gear rules before you fish the Tanana or any tributary.
• Look up any king salmon emergency order for the mainstem.
• Bring a riverboat if you want the main channel, and set lines if you are after burbot.

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