The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Birch Lake
Fairbanks North Star, Alaska · about 770 acres (1.2 sq mi)
32°F water, ice 95% cover, calm this morning.
About Birch Lake
In Fairbanks North Star, Alaska, Birch Lake covers about 770 acres.
It stretches about 1.6 miles end to end with roughly 4.9 miles of shoreline. At about 800 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Salcha lies about 15 miles to the northwest.
- Size
- About 770 acres (1.2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 4.9 miles
- End to end
- About 1.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 800 ft
- County
- Fairbanks North Star
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 8:30 am – 10:45 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead, moonrise, moonset · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 8:45 am – 11:00 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 2:45 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moonrise, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Alaska mix for a lake this size: trout, lake trout and northern pike. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 32°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairTrout
Cold. Slow and near the surface on sunny days.
- GoodLake trout
Cool surface. They come shallower; try shore points.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Frozen · About 95% ice cover
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 9:12 am · sunset 3:49 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Birch Lake
- Salchaabout 15 mi northwest
- Eielson Air Force Baseabout 26 mi northwest
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Questions about Birch Lake
What fish are in Birch Lake?
Lakes like Birch Lake usually hold trout, lake trout and northern pike. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Birch Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Birch Lake?
About 770 acres, with about 4.9 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Birch Lake?
Salcha is about 15 miles northwest; Eielson Air Force Base is about 26 miles northwest.
What is the water temperature at Birch Lake today?
The surface was about 32°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Birch Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
