Carter Lake fishing

Fishing at Carter Lake has Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout, and Arctic Char on the stocking report. It is stocked about 0.4 times a year since 1963, most often in June and August. Species guides list dawn and dusk as the active times.

Last stocked

June 24, 2026

Plants on record

26

Since 1963

Species recorded

3

Average size

2.1 in

Elevation

1,474 ft

Access and facts

Shore access
Yes
Facilities
camping

Carter Lake Trail, an old jeep road in Chugach National Forest, starts at Mile 34 of the Seward Highway: a steep first 1.5 miles through spruce/hemlock forest that levels out for a 3.4-mile hike to Carter and Crescent lakes, with designated campsites along the way.

Sources: access.shore , facilities , shore_notes , watch_outs

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How Carter Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the last week of July. In 2026 it was June 24, 2026, earlier than usual.

No plants recorded in 40 years between 1963 and 2026.

Fish at Carter Lake

Fishing Carter Lake is most likely to be for Rainbow Trout. Rainbow Trout accounts for 24 of 26 plants on record, ahead of Arctic Char and one more.

Rainbow Trout 24 plants
Plants
24 of 26
Last stocked
June 24, 2026
Average length
2.1 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Rainbow Trout guide.

Arctic Char 1 plant
Plants
1 of 26
Last stocked
June 24, 2020
Average length
2.1 in
Arctic Grayling 1 plant
Plants
1 of 26
Last stocked
August 4, 1963

Seasons and rigs are on the Arctic Grayling guide.

What to watch for

Snow may remain in this area until early June. Expect muddy conditions during the spring and after rainfall, and prepare to get wet due to a wide creek flowing into Carter Lake without a bridge. Caution is advised with bear and moose, and Giardia could be present.

Fish stocked per year

  • 1051963
  • 12,0001976
  • 9,6001980
  • 9,5001983
  • 9,3001986
  • 9,5271988
  • 10,1551994
  • 20,0301995
  • 10,0001996
  • 10,0002000
  • 5,0002001
  • 5,0002002
  • 5,0232004
  • 2,7622006
  • 4,7742008
  • 5,0002010
  • 5,0002012
  • 5,4002014
  • 2,8182016
  • 2,8012018
  • 4,7902020
  • 2,7902022
  • 2,7902024
  • 2,7892026

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 26 plants Showing 26 plants

Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
June 24, 2026 Rainbow Trout 2,789 2.6 in report
June 18, 2024 Rainbow Trout 2,790 2.4 in report
June 22, 2022 Rainbow Trout 2,790 2.5 in report
June 24, 2020 Arctic Char 2,000 2.1 in report
June 24, 2020 Rainbow Trout 2,790 2.8 in report
June 19, 2018 Rainbow Trout 2,801 2.8 in report
June 16, 2016 Rainbow Trout 2,818 2.5 in report
June 18, 2014 Rainbow Trout 5,400 2.6 in report
August 10, 2012 Rainbow Trout 5,000 1.9 in report
August 12, 2010 Rainbow Trout 5,000 1.8 in report
August 19, 2008 Rainbow Trout 4,774 1.8 in report
August 31, 2006 Rainbow Trout 2,762 1.9 in report
August 11, 2004 Rainbow Trout 5,023 2 in report
August 15, 2002 Rainbow Trout 5,000 1.9 in report
August 1, 2001 Rainbow Trout 5,000 1.8 in report
July 19, 2000 Rainbow Trout 10,000 1.6 in report
July 24, 1996 Rainbow Trout 10,000 2.1 in report
July 19, 1995 Rainbow Trout 10,015 1.9 in report
July 19, 1995 Rainbow Trout 10,015 1.9 in report
July 22, 1994 Rainbow Trout 10,155 1.9 in report
July 28, 1988 Rainbow Trout 9,527 2 in report
September 1, 1986 Rainbow Trout 9,300 2.4 in report
August 30, 1983 Rainbow Trout 9,500 1.9 in report
July 30, 1980 Rainbow Trout 9,600 1.9 in report
July 14, 1976 Rainbow Trout 12,000 1.6 in report
August 4, 1963 Arctic Grayling 105 – report
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Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

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