Wasilla's Year-Round Paddling and Fishing Lake
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Why Rent On Finger Lake
Finger Lake lies within the city of Wasilla in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of southcentral Alaska, about 45 miles north of Anchorage, with the well-developed Finger Lake State Recreation Site providing organized public access to one of the valley’s most consistently popular lakes. Stocked with Arctic char and rainbow trout, the lake supports strong fishing throughout the warmer months and excellent ice fishing in winter, and its calm, accessible surface makes it a year-round favorite for paddlers, power boaters, and families looking for water access within Wasilla’s growing community.
A Rental in Wasilla with Everything Within Reach
Wasilla offers one of the strongest vacation rental markets in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, with options ranging from lakefront homes on Finger Lake’s own shoreline to cabins and houses throughout the surrounding valley with easy driving access to the lake. A rental with a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor space puts your family in the heart of one of Alaska’s most accessible and family-friendly outdoor corridors. Pet-friendly properties are widely available, and the valley’s trail systems and open landscape welcome dogs and children alike.
Arctic Char, Rainbow Trout, and Winter Ice Fishing
Finger Lake’s stocked populations of Arctic char and rainbow trout make it a reliable fishing destination for families who want consistent action without the uncertainty of a remote Alaskan fishery. Ice fishing in winter draws local families to the lake’s frozen surface, where ice huts and portable gear set up in the crisp stillness of a Matanuska-Susitna Valley morning. Summer fishing from a kayak or the recreation site’s shore is a genuinely pleasant experience on a lake whose scale and clarity reward both patience and enthusiasm.
Paddling the Mat-Su Valley’s Connected Lakes
The Finger Lake State Recreation Site’s developed facilities make it an ideal launch point for paddlers exploring the broader network of Wasilla-area lakes, which include Wasilla Lake, Lucile Lake, and the connected waterways of the Susitna River drainage. A morning kayak on Finger Lake, followed by an afternoon exploring one of the valley’s connecting waterways, creates an itinerary that captures the particular spaciousness and mountain light of the Mat-Su Valley in its best form. The Alaska Range and Talkeetna Mountains provide backdrop scenery that elevates every hour on the water.
Wasilla and the Iditarod Connection
Wasilla is the official restart city for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters in Wasilla has a museum and sled dog demonstrations that are among the most engaging family attractions in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. The Dorothy Page Museum, set in Wasilla’s original townsite, provides the Valley’s history in a compact and accessible form. For families who want a southcentral Alaska lake stay that combines water recreation with the culture of Alaska’s most famous sporting event, Finger Lake and Wasilla are the right combination.
- Surface area (mi)
- 36.66
- Max depth (ft)
- 43.96
- Elevation (ft)
- 337.93
Popular activities
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Finger Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Swimming is allowed in most of the Finger Lakes, but not in all. You can swim in lakes like Owasco, Skaneateles, and Conesus, but swimming is prohibited in Hemlock, Canadice, and Honeoye lakes due to their use as water reservoirs.
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Finger Lakes is a popular destination for outdoor activities and recreation because it offers a diverse range of natural attractions, including scenic trails, waterfalls, and pristine lakes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, and watersports, as well as adventures like rock climbing, hot air ballooning, and white water rafting.
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Fishing at Finger Lake in Alaska requires a sport fishing license, which must be in your possession and may be in paper or electronic form. You must also comply with statewide and area-specific regulations, such as those regarding the number of lines and hooks you can use. Additionally, the lake is subject to annual stocking and any emergency orders issued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
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Yes, there is a beach with a boat launch on Finger Lake. Seneca Lake State Park in Geneva has a public boat launch, a marina, a picnic area, and a swimming beach. This park provides multiple amenities for both boating and other recreational activities.
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Popular towns to visit near the Finger Lakes include Ithaca, Skaneateles, and Auburn. Ithaca is known for its colleges and lively nightlife, while Skaneateles is a quaint town with a small population. Auburn offers historical attractions like the Harriet Tubman Home.