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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Purple Lake
Prince of Wales-Hyder, Alaska · about 840 acres (1.3 sq mi)
Windy Friday (15 mph E).
About Purple Lake
In Prince of Wales-Hyder, Alaska, Purple Lake covers about 840 acres.
From end to end it runs about 3.4 miles with roughly 8.9 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 300 ft above sea level. Metlakatla is about 2.9 miles northwest.
- Size
- About 840 acres (1.3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 8.9 miles
- End to end
- About 3.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 300 ft
- County
- Prince of Wales-Hyder
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 2:15 pm – 4:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Fair
- 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 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
For a lake of this size in Alaska, trout and lake trout are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake.
- Trout
- Lake trout
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
- 6
5 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
No clear reading right now. Narrow or small lakes often have none; the weather and bite times below still apply.
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:15 am · sunset 3:44 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Purple Lake
- Metlakatlaabout 2.9 mi northwest
- Ketchikanabout 17 mi north
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Questions about Purple Lake
What fish are in Purple Lake?
Lakes like Purple Lake usually hold trout and lake trout. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Purple 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 Purple Lake?
About 840 acres, with about 8.9 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Purple Lake?
Metlakatla is about 2.9 miles northwest; Ketchikan is about 17 miles north.
Is the water warm enough to swim in Purple Lake?
Check the water temperature on this page before you go: under 70°F feels cold to most swimmers, and under 60°F cold-water shock is a real risk.
Purple Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
