Harding Lake

Harding Lake fishing

Fishing at Harding Lake is on a natural lake, stocked with Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Lake Trout, Coho Salmon, Sheefish, and Arctic Grayling, and 2 more. It is stocked about 3.5 times a year since 1956, most often in June and September. Species guides list dawn and dusk for Rainbow Trout and dawn for Lake Trout.

Last stocked

September 15, 2026

Plants on record

249

Since 1956

Species recorded

8

Average size

4.9 in

Elevation

715 ft

Access and facts

Water type
natural lake
Nearest town
Salcha, AK
Boat ramp
Yes
Facilities
camping

Harding Lake State Recreation Area sits off the Richardson Highway near Salcha. The park has a boat launch on the lake and a large campground with room for sports and outdoor games.

Sources: water_type , access.boat_ramp , shore_notes , nearest_town , facilities , fishing_notes , watch_outs

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How Harding Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the first week of July. In 2026 it was June 2, 2026, earlier than usual.

No plants recorded in 17 years between 1956 and 2026.

Fish at Harding Lake

Fishing Harding Lake is most likely to be for Arctic Char. Arctic Char accounts for 109 of 249 plants on record, ahead of Rainbow Trout and 6 more.

Arctic Char 109 plants
Plants
109 of 249
Last stocked
June 2, 2026
Average length
7.1 in
Rainbow Trout 38 plants
Plants
38 of 249
Last stocked
July 23, 2020
Average length
3.3 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Rainbow Trout guide.

Sheefish 32 plants
Plants
32 of 249
Last stocked
March 21, 1989
Average length
4.7 in
Coho Salmon 26 plants
Plants
26 of 249
Last stocked
June 7, 2016
Average length
2.1 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Coho Salmon guide.

Arctic Grayling 23 plants
Plants
23 of 249
Last stocked
June 24, 1992
Average length
2.2 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Arctic Grayling guide.

Lake Trout 13 plants
Plants
13 of 249
Last stocked
September 15, 2026
Average length
5.2 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Lake Trout guide.

Sockeye Salmon 5 plants
Plants
5 of 249
Last stocked
August 2, 1990
Average length
1.2 in
Steelhead 3 plants
Plants
3 of 249
Last stocked
August 26, 1959
Average length
1.6 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Steelhead guide.

Fishing Harding Lake

Harding Lake is a lake in the Fairbanks North Star Borough in Interior Alaska. The lake contains a wide variety of native and stocked [ 2 ] fish, including Arctic char , burbot , Arctic grayling , and northern pike , as well as several salmon and trout species. The lake is frozen from late autumn to late spring.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

What to watch for

The lake is frozen late autumn to late spring.

Fish stocked per year

  • 37,0001956
  • 14,9001958
  • 46,0501959
  • 107,4001960
  • 2521963
  • 2351965
  • 31,0001967
  • 221,2001968
  • 338,5001969
  • 232,8001971
  • 168,8501973
  • 379,9001975
  • 697,5001976
  • 468,2621977
  • 510,8431978
  • 32,1651981
  • 172,1051982
  • 211,6411984
  • 355,3571986
  • 1,874,8121987
  • 2,012,2841988
  • 874,7911989
  • 1,930,0491990
  • 1,891,1281991
  • 939,7051992
  • 10,0001993
  • 10,0001994
  • 9,9901995
  • 10,7001996
  • 10,0291997
  • 33,7021999
  • 4,0212000
  • 19,4412001
  • 5,4192002
  • 30,3432003
  • 11,7382005
  • 26,3072006
  • 14,6232007
  • 30,2012008
  • 11,5482009
  • 6,8742011
  • 12,7572012
  • 10,0022013
  • 19,9382015
  • 16,3132016
  • 20,7422017
  • 25,5352019
  • 83,4102020
  • 18,7072021
  • 28,0452022
  • 7,7772023
  • 25,6002024
  • 4,5362025
  • 8,8442026

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 249 plants Showing 249 plants

Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
September 15, 2026 Lake Trout 3,846 5.2 in report
June 2, 2026 Arctic Char 1,682 10.5 in report
June 2, 2026 Arctic Char 862 10.5 in report
June 2, 2026 Arctic Char 2,454 10.4 in report
May 22, 2025 Arctic Char 3,869 9.9 in report
May 22, 2025 Arctic Char 143 9.9 in report
May 22, 2025 Arctic Char 524 9.9 in report
September 13, 2024 Lake Trout 16,074 4.9 in report
September 5, 2024 Arctic Char 5,613 3.6 in report
May 29, 2024 Arctic Char 1,023 10.3 in report
May 29, 2024 Arctic Char 1,327 10.4 in report
May 22, 2024 Arctic Char 1,563 10.1 in report
September 21, 2023 Arctic Char 4,758 4.7 in report
June 1, 2023 Arctic Char 3,019 10.5 in report
September 21, 2022 Lake Trout 18,475 4.9 in report
August 18, 2022 Arctic Char 8,675 3.2 in report
June 1, 2022 Arctic Char 895 10.6 in report
September 27, 2021 Arctic Char 16,464 5.1 in report
May 26, 2021 Arctic Char 283 10 in report
May 26, 2021 Arctic Char 1,960 10.3 in report
September 24, 2020 Lake Trout 10,001 4.9 in report
September 24, 2020 Arctic Char 5,180 3.3 in report
July 23, 2020 Rainbow Trout 41,385 2.8 in report
June 18, 2020 Rainbow Trout 13,043 2.6 in report
June 18, 2020 Rainbow Trout 13,044 2.6 in report
June 4, 2020 Arctic Char 757 9.4 in report
September 5, 2019 Arctic Char 23,259 5 in report
May 20, 2019 Arctic Char 523 9.3 in report
May 15, 2019 Arctic Char 1,753 9.8 in report
September 14, 2017 Arctic Char 4,464 5.1 in report
September 13, 2017 Arctic Char 16,278 4.9 in report
June 7, 2016 Coho Salmon 16,313 2.9 in report
September 14, 2015 Arctic Char 9,110 5.1 in report
September 1, 2015 Arctic Char 10,828 4.8 in report
September 11, 2013 Arctic Char 5,030 4.2 in report
September 11, 2013 Arctic Char 4,972 4.2 in report
September 28, 2012 Arctic Char 8,232 5.2 in report
September 6, 2012 Arctic Char 4,525 11.2 in report
September 1, 2011 Arctic Char 2,313 4 in report
June 7, 2011 Arctic Char 4,561 6.7 in report
August 14, 2009 Arctic Char 11,548 2.7 in report
September 8, 2008 Arctic Char 2,184 4.7 in report
September 8, 2008 Arctic Char 2,190 4.7 in report
September 8, 2008 Arctic Char 2,192 4.7 in report
August 19, 2008 Arctic Char 23,635 3.4 in report
August 23, 2007 Arctic Char 11,355 2.8 in report
May 24, 2007 Arctic Char 3,268 7.3 in report
August 28, 2006 Arctic Char 26,307 3.1 in report
September 13, 2005 Arctic Char 11,738 3.3 in report
September 18, 2003 Arctic Char 30,343 4.4 in report
September 4, 2002 Arctic Char 5,419 3.6 in report
August 31, 2001 Arctic Char 15,446 4.2 in report
May 23, 2001 Lake Trout 3,995 8.6 in report
November 6, 2000 Lake Trout 4,021 6.3 in report
September 29, 1999 Arctic Char 29,895 4.6 in report
June 22, 1999 Lake Trout 3,807 8.5 in report
September 30, 1997 Arctic Char 10,029 3.8 in report
September 26, 1996 Arctic Char 700 4.9 in report
September 26, 1996 Arctic Char 10,000 4.9 in report
September 14, 1995 Arctic Char 9,990 7.4 in report
September 20, 1994 Arctic Char 10,000 6.9 in report
September 16, 1993 Arctic Char 2,500 8.4 in report
September 15, 1993 Arctic Char 7,500 8.4 in report
October 1, 1992 Arctic Char 10,692 7 in report
September 30, 1992 Arctic Char 16,614 7.1 in report
September 29, 1992 Arctic Char 17,408 6.9 in report
September 11, 1992 Arctic Char 17,627 6.7 in report
September 10, 1992 Arctic Char 18,412 6.8 in report
September 9, 1992 Arctic Char 16,012 7 in report
September 8, 1992 Arctic Char 17,836 6.8 in report
June 24, 1992 Arctic Grayling 204,263 0.5 in report
June 23, 1992 Arctic Char 11,190 3.7 in report
June 19, 1992 Rainbow Trout 19,517 8.2 in report
June 19, 1992 Arctic Grayling 400,000 0.5 in report
June 19, 1992 Arctic Char 8,928 3.8 in report
June 18, 1992 Arctic Char 60,000 3.7 in report
June 17, 1992 Arctic Char 60,603 3.7 in report
June 16, 1992 Arctic Char 60,603 3.7 in report
September 23, 1991 Arctic Grayling 23,397 3.1 in report
September 16, 1991 Arctic Grayling 20,000 3 in report
September 11, 1991 Arctic Char 12,684 6.1 in report
September 10, 1991 Arctic Char 7,010 5.8 in report
September 9, 1991 Arctic Char 29,967 5.7 in report
September 5, 1991 Arctic Char 7,992 6.2 in report
September 4, 1991 Arctic Char 23,386 6.2 in report
September 3, 1991 Arctic Char 22,888 6.2 in report
August 30, 1991 Arctic Grayling 150,200 2.4 in report
August 25, 1991 Arctic Grayling 71 9.9 in report
August 23, 1991 Arctic Char 20,452 5.8 in report
August 22, 1991 Arctic Char 24,030 5.8 in report
August 21, 1991 Arctic Char 22,967 5.6 in report
July 31, 1991 Arctic Grayling 160,000 1.6 in report
July 31, 1991 Arctic Grayling 186,800 2.8 in report
July 24, 1991 Rainbow Trout 173,800 2.1 in report
July 23, 1991 Arctic Char 7,659 3.9 in report
July 19, 1991 Arctic Char 49,095 3.9 in report
July 18, 1991 Arctic Char 49,296 3.9 in report
July 17, 1991 Arctic Grayling 190,000 1.4 in report
June 11, 1991 Rainbow Trout 10,530 4.8 in report
June 10, 1991 Arctic Grayling 375,000 0.4 in report
June 7, 1991 Arctic Grayling 322,178 0.4 in report
May 30, 1991 Arctic Char 522 16.2 in report
May 29, 1991 Arctic Char 1,044 16.2 in report
May 28, 1991 Arctic Grayling 160 8.7 in report
September 20, 1990 Arctic Char 7,331 6.5 in report
September 19, 1990 Arctic Char 11,230 6.8 in report
August 31, 1990 Arctic Char 15,159 5.8 in report
August 29, 1990 Rainbow Trout 42,000 2.6 in report
August 29, 1990 Arctic Char 20,614 5.8 in report
August 28, 1990 Arctic Char 49,900 4.8 in report
August 27, 1990 Rainbow Trout 1,000 10.1 in report
August 27, 1990 Rainbow Trout 1,019 10.1 in report
August 27, 1990 Arctic Grayling 29,972 3.1 in report
August 26, 1990 Rainbow Trout 7,912 2.6 in report
August 26, 1990 Lake Trout 71,446 3.8 in report
August 26, 1990 Arctic Grayling 2,400 2.6 in report
August 24, 1990 Rainbow Trout 9,961 8.7 in report
August 24, 1990 Rainbow Trout 15,907 3.4 in report
August 24, 1990 Rainbow Trout 84,000 3.4 in report
August 2, 1990 Sockeye Salmon 289 2.1 in report
August 1, 1990 Arctic Grayling 30,000 2.1 in report
July 24, 1990 Rainbow Trout 50,000 2.1 in report
July 24, 1990 Rainbow Trout 150,000 2.1 in report
July 19, 1990 Rainbow Trout 2,019 8.4 in report
July 3, 1990 Arctic Grayling 30,000 1.1 in report
June 27, 1990 Rainbow Trout 100,000 1.9 in report
June 27, 1990 Rainbow Trout 103,312 1.9 in report
June 21, 1990 Lake Trout 43,700 2.9 in report
June 21, 1990 Arctic Char 10,000 3.2 in report
June 18, 1990 Arctic Char 40,000 3.2 in report
June 14, 1990 Lake Trout 30,000 2.9 in report
June 7, 1990 Sockeye Salmon 400,000 1 in report
June 7, 1990 Sockeye Salmon 505,305 1 in report
June 7, 1990 Rainbow Trout 10,061 5 in report
June 7, 1990 Arctic Grayling 54,200 0.5 in report
March 23, 1990 Arctic Char 437 15.4 in report
March 22, 1990 Arctic Char 438 15.4 in report
March 21, 1990 Arctic Char 437 15.4 in report
October 17, 1989 Arctic Char 5,786 8.2 in report
October 16, 1989 Arctic Char 9,255 8.2 in report
October 13, 1989 Arctic Char 3,100 8.5 in report
October 12, 1989 Arctic Char 8,055 8.5 in report
October 11, 1989 Arctic Char 8,055 8.5 in report
August 14, 1989 Rainbow Trout 44,921 1.8 in report
August 2, 1989 Rainbow Trout 148,836 2 in report
July 18, 1989 Arctic Char 12,635 4.8 in report
May 24, 1989 Arctic Char 418 16 in report
May 23, 1989 Arctic Char 418 16 in report
May 22, 1989 Sockeye Salmon 515,000 1 in report
May 22, 1989 Arctic Char 418 16 in report
March 21, 1989 Sheefish 109,503 1.8 in report
February 9, 1989 Arctic Char 2,017 8.8 in report
February 8, 1989 Arctic Char 2,137 8.8 in report
February 7, 1989 Arctic Char 2,112 8.8 in report
February 6, 1989 Arctic Char 2,125 8.8 in report
November 3, 1988 Arctic Char 3,460 6.6 in report
November 2, 1988 Arctic Char 3,262 6.6 in report
November 1, 1988 Arctic Char 4,077 6.6 in report
October 5, 1988 Arctic Char 200 6.2 in report
October 5, 1988 Arctic Char 3,465 7.4 in report
September 19, 1988 Arctic Char 4,771 6.4 in report
September 15, 1988 Arctic Char 5,736 6.3 in report
September 15, 1988 Arctic Char 5,849 6.3 in report
August 25, 1988 Rainbow Trout 57,081 1.9 in report
August 24, 1988 Rainbow Trout 43,398 1.9 in report
August 18, 1988 Rainbow Trout 108,498 1.9 in report
August 17, 1988 Rainbow Trout 39,681 1.8 in report
June 17, 1988 Arctic Grayling 1,169,806 0.5 in report
May 23, 1988 Sockeye Salmon 503,000 1 in report
April 12, 1988 Sheefish 60,000 0.9 in report
September 16, 1987 Rainbow Trout 56,872 2.6 in report
September 3, 1987 Rainbow Trout 73,148 2.3 in report
September 2, 1987 Rainbow Trout 58,873 2.3 in report
August 25, 1987 Rainbow Trout 54,810 2.2 in report
August 24, 1987 Rainbow Trout 200,000 2.2 in report
June 22, 1987 Rainbow Trout 544,200 0.9 in report
June 19, 1987 Arctic Grayling 318,000 0.4 in report
June 18, 1987 Arctic Grayling 158,000 0.4 in report
June 14, 1987 Arctic Grayling 164,000 0.4 in report
June 3, 1987 Sheefish 7,234 4 in report
May 29, 1987 Sheefish 21,441 4 in report
May 29, 1987 Sheefish 22,922 4 in report
May 28, 1987 Sheefish 22,008 4 in report
May 28, 1987 Sheefish 22,400 4 in report
May 24, 1987 Sheefish 27,119 2.7 in report
May 1, 1987 Sheefish 18 23.6 in report
April 29, 1987 Sheefish 17 23.6 in report
April 23, 1987 Sheefish 41,274 2.7 in report
April 23, 1987 Sheefish 43,532 2.7 in report
April 22, 1987 Sheefish 38,944 2.8 in report
October 2, 1986 Rainbow Trout 22,748 2.7 in report
October 2, 1986 Rainbow Trout 47,522 2.9 in report
September 25, 1986 Rainbow Trout 117,215 2.6 in report
August 12, 1986 Arctic Grayling 18,759 2.3 in report
August 12, 1986 Arctic Grayling 60,653 2.2 in report
August 11, 1986 Sheefish 8,383 4.2 in report
August 10, 1986 Sheefish 12,564 4.2 in report
August 9, 1986 Sheefish 11,741 4.3 in report
August 8, 1986 Sheefish 12,635 4.1 in report
August 7, 1986 Sheefish 10,824 4.2 in report
August 6, 1986 Sheefish 12,281 4 in report
August 4, 1986 Sheefish 20,032 4.1 in report
June 13, 1984 Sheefish 24,947 3.2 in report
June 12, 1984 Sheefish 32,495 3.2 in report
June 11, 1984 Sheefish 30,450 3.2 in report
June 8, 1984 Sheefish 34,728 3.1 in report
June 7, 1984 Sheefish 21,058 3.3 in report
June 5, 1984 Sheefish 23,324 3.4 in report
June 4, 1984 Sheefish 24,714 3.3 in report
June 1, 1984 Sheefish 19,925 3.4 in report
July 9, 1982 Sheefish 370 8.6 in report
June 7, 1982 Sheefish 70,230 1.8 in report
June 4, 1982 Sheefish 71,505 1.8 in report
May 4, 1982 Sheefish 30,000 1.3 in report
July 16, 1981 Coho Salmon 32,165 2.6 in report
August 2, 1978 Coho Salmon 129,320 2.1 in report
July 6, 1978 Coho Salmon 137,994 2.1 in report
May 25, 1978 Coho Salmon 243,529 1.6 in report
September 7, 1977 Coho Salmon 105,762 2.5 in report
August 5, 1977 Coho Salmon 212,000 1.8 in report
July 18, 1977 Coho Salmon 150,500 2.1 in report
July 12, 1976 Coho Salmon 109,200 2.2 in report
June 16, 1976 Coho Salmon 198,000 1.8 in report
June 14, 1976 Coho Salmon 211,300 1.7 in report
June 10, 1976 Coho Salmon 179,000 1.8 in report
July 31, 1975 Coho Salmon 58,500 2.2 in report
July 22, 1975 Coho Salmon 70,800 2 in report
July 22, 1975 Coho Salmon 93,300 1.8 in report
July 17, 1975 Coho Salmon 57,200 1.9 in report
July 8, 1975 Coho Salmon 100,100 1.8 in report
August 29, 1973 Coho Salmon 40,750 2.7 in report
July 13, 1973 Coho Salmon 108,100 1.8 in report
May 1, 1973 Coho Salmon 20,000 4.1 in report
July 15, 1971 Coho Salmon 115,000 2.1 in report
July 13, 1971 Coho Salmon 117,800 2.1 in report
July 8, 1969 Coho Salmon 155,600 1.7 in report
July 2, 1969 Coho Salmon 182,900 1.5 in report
July 8, 1968 Coho Salmon 30,300 1.6 in report
July 1, 1968 Coho Salmon 190,900 1.6 in report
July 5, 1967 Lake Trout 31,000 1.6 in report
June 1, 1965 Lake Trout 235 8.2 in report
July 1, 1963 Lake Trout 252 – report
August 18, 1960 Rainbow Trout 14,400 2.4 in report
August 10, 1960 Rainbow Trout 93,000 1.9 in report
August 26, 1959 Steelhead 15,500 1.8 in report
August 4, 1959 Steelhead 30,550 1.3 in report
July 4, 1958 Rainbow Trout 14,900 1.5 in report
October 1, 1956 Steelhead 0 – report
September 15, 1956 Rainbow Trout 37,000 2.5 in 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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