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
Shell Lake
Matanuska-Susitna, Alaska · about 1,520 acres (2.4 sq mi)
32°F water, ice 95% cover, calm this morning.
About Shell Lake
In Matanuska-Susitna, Alaska, Shell Lake covers about 1,520 acres.
From end to end it runs about 4.4 miles with roughly 10.9 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 400 ft above sea level. Willow is about 49 miles east. Anchorage, the nearest city, is about 72 miles southeast.
- Size
- About 1,520 acres (2.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 10.9 miles
- End to end
- About 4.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 400 ft
- County
- Matanuska-Susitna
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 8:30 am – 10:45 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moonrise, moon overhead, moonset · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 8:45 am – 11:00 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moonrise, moon overhead · wind 5 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, lake trout and northern pike are the fish to expect. 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
- 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
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 9:13 am · sunset 4:27 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Shell Lake
- Willowabout 49 mi east
- Susitna Northabout 56 mi east
- Anchoragenearest city, about 72 mi southeast
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Shell Lake
What fish are in Shell Lake?
Lakes like Shell Lake usually hold trout, lake trout and northern pike. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Shell 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 Shell Lake?
About 1,520 acres, with about 10.9 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Shell Lake?
Willow is about 49 miles east; Susitna North is about 56 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Shell Lake today?
The surface was about 32°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Shell Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
