Tolsona Lake (Glennallen)

The feel

Tolsona Lake is a Copper Basin stocker off the Glenn Highway near Glennallen. It is stocked through the Upper Copper-Susitna program with grayling, rainbow trout and landlocked salmon, and it also holds wild burbot.

Crowds are low. By day you fish for Arctic grayling, and through the ice the lake gives you burbot. Access is a lodge plus a public access point on Tolsona Lake Road, about 16 miles west of Glennallen.

What to expect

Water and access

Tolsona Lake Road at Mile 170 of the Glenn Highway, about 16 miles west of Glennallen. A lodge plus a public access point.

Species and timing

Arctic grayling of 8 to 14 in in June, July and September; burbot of 1 to 4 lb in January, February and December. Rainbow trout and landlocked salmon are also stocked.

Methods and gear

Spin, bait, fly, jig, ice and bank.

License and rules

Upper Copper / Upper Susitna Area. Verify current rules before you fish.

Crowds and best time

Crowds are low. The open-water season runs June to September.

Season and access

June to September for open water; the wild burbot fishery is best through the ice.

Mingo says

Fish grayling from June through September, then come back in the ice months for burbot. Few other anglers will be sharing the shore.

Before you go

• Turn down Tolsona Lake Road at Mile 170 of the Glenn Highway.
• Check the current rules for the Upper Copper / Upper Susitna Area.
• Pack for the method you choose: spin, bait, fly, jig, ice or bank.

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