Fairbanks Ice Fishing with Transportation — Guided Winter Fishing Tour Near Fairbanks, AK
Spend four hours on frozen Alaskan lakes with guides who provide equipment, instruction, and hotel pickup. Ideal for beginners and experienced anglers, this Fairbanks ice-fishing tour blends practical instruction with the chance to see the northern lights.
The Experience
Before You Go
Get your Alaska fishing license first
Buy and print your state of Alaska fishing license before pickup—guides will not provide licenses and you’ll need one to fish legally.
Dress in layered, waterproof clothing
Temperatures can plunge; use a moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell to stay dry and warm.
Bring traction and spare batteries
Ice can be slippery—wear crampon-style traction on boots—and carry spare camera and phone batteries because cold drains power quickly.
Stay with the group and follow safety briefings
Guides mark safe areas and manage auger use—do not wander off the approved fishing zone for your safety.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Try a late-afternoon trip to catch low-angle light and a quieter stretch of ice favored by local anglers
- •Ask guides about nearby river mouths where pike congregate beneath the ice—good for targeting larger fish
Wildlife
- •Moose
- •Snowy owl
Conservation Note
Stay on guided-marked areas to protect fragile winter shorelines and avoid disturbing overwintering wildlife; pack out all trash and use reusable containers when possible.
Fairbanks grew as a supply and transport hub during the early 20th-century gold rush; wintertravel traditions and local guiding stem from that practical frontier legacy.
Photographer's Notes
- • Along the van approach road for long, low-angle horizon shots
- • Next to the drill hole with the ice shelter framing the background
- • Wide-angle from a cleared patch of ice to show scale and sky
What to Bring
Insulated winter bootsEssential
Waterproof, insulated boots keep feet warm and dry on frozen lakes.
Thermal base layersEssential
Wicking base layers prevent sweat from cooling your body during periods of activity and waiting.
Warm hat and mittensEssential
Protect extremities from rapid heat loss—mittens are warmer than gloves for most anglers.
Camera with spare batteries
Cold drains batteries—bring spares to capture aurora or low-light action on the ice.
Common Questions
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes—everyone over the state-required age must have a valid Alaska fishing license before pickup; purchase online from Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
What species might I catch?
Common targets include Arctic grayling, northern pike, burbot, and trout; some lakes are stocked seasonally by the state.
Is this suitable for first-time anglers?
Yes—guides provide all gear and instruction, and the trip is designed to accommodate beginners.
How cold does it get and what should I wear?
Temperatures can range well below freezing; dress in layers, bring an insulated outer shell, waterproof boots, and warm mittens.
Are kids allowed?
Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; confirm minimum age limits and safety arrangements with the operator when booking.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled for bad weather or unsafe ice; the operator’s cancellation policy allows refunds if canceled at least 24 hours ahead.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Fairbanks, Alaska
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to stand and move on icy, uneven surfaces for short intervals.
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