What to expect at Delong Lake

Delong Lake is a remote fly-in destination in the Brooks Range foothills of northern Alaska, roughly 200 miles northwest of Fairbanks. The lake holds a healthy population of Arctic grayling — the primary draw — along with lake trout and occasional northern pike. Access is by floatplane only; there is no road, no lodge, and no services on-site. You arrive with a guide or outfitter, fish from a boat or by wading, and depart the same day or stay in a spike camp. The season runs from June through September, with peak fishing in July and August when water temperatures stabilize and insect hatches become predictable.

Delong Lake itself is roughly 8 miles long and 2 miles wide, with clear water and a rocky bottom in many areas. The grayling here average 14 to 18 inches, with fish over 20 inches possible but not common. The lake sits at roughly 2,000 feet elevation and is surrounded by tundra and low brush — no trees. Weather is highly variable: expect wind, rain, and cold even in midsummer. Midges, mosquitoes, and blackflies are present and can be intense, particularly in June and early July.

Key Takeaways

  • Delong Lake is accessible only by floatplane from Fairbanks or a smaller hub, and you must book through an outfitter or guide service — there is no public access or self-guided option.
  • Arctic grayling are the main target, with fish typically 14 to 18 inches; fly fishing with small dry flies and nymphs is the standard method.
  • The season runs June through September, with July and August offering the most stable weather and best fishing conditions.
  • Bring warm layers, rain gear, insect repellent, and polarized sunglasses; the tundra offers no shelter and weather changes rapidly.
  • Costs vary by outfitter and trip length but typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per person for a day trip or multi-day package.

How to reach Delong Lake

All access to Delong Lake is by floatplane. The most common departure point is Fairbanks, where several air services operate floatplanes year-round. The flight takes roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on weather and the specific landing site. A few outfitters also depart from smaller hubs like Bettles or Coldfoot, which can shorten flight time but limit your choice of operators.

You cannot fly yourself unless you hold a commercial pilot license and own or rent a floatplane — a rare and expensive option. Instead, you book through an outfitter or guide service that contracts with a floatplane operator. The outfitter handles logistics: they coordinate the flight, provide a guide, arrange meals and shelter if you stay overnight, and manage the return flight. Most day trips depart Fairbanks in the early morning and return by evening. Multi-day trips typically involve a spike camp — a minimal shelter with sleeping bags and a camp stove — rather than a developed lodge.

Weather is the primary variable. Floatplanes cannot land in high winds or heavy rain, so trips are sometimes delayed or rescheduled. If you book a specific date, confirm with your outfitter a few days before departure; cancellations due to weather are common and usually result in a rebooking rather than a refund.

Fishing methods and what species are present

Arctic grayling dominate Delong Lake and respond well to fly fishing. Small dry flies — sizes 14 to 18 — work best, particularly patterns that imitate midges and mayflies: Adams, Griffith's Gnat, and Parachute Adams are reliable choices. Nymphs fished under an indicator also produce, especially early in the season when water is cold. Grayling are aggressive and often take on the first or second cast if you present the fly naturally and without drag.

Lake trout are present but less commonly targeted by visiting anglers. They inhabit deeper water and require sinking lines or weighted nymphs. Northern pike are rare at Delong Lake itself, though they appear in some nearby systems; do not plan a trip expecting pike.

Fishing pressure is light because access is limited and expensive. The lake is not stocked; all fish are wild. Grayling populations are stable, and catch-and-release is the standard practice. Some outfitters allow you to keep a few fish for dinner, but confirm their policy before booking.

Seasons and weather conditions

The fishing season at Delong Lake runs from June through September. June is the earliest option but brings long daylight (nearly 24 hours by late June), cold water, and intense insect hatches that can make fishing difficult. Water temperatures are typically in the 40s Fahrenheit. July and August are the most popular months: water warms to the 50s, weather is more stable, and grayling feed actively throughout the day. September offers excellent fishing as water cools again and grayling feed heavily before winter, but weather becomes unpredictable and daylight shortens rapidly.

Temperature swings are dramatic. A sunny morning can turn to rain and wind by afternoon. Bring layers: a base layer, a fleece or wool mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell. Waders are essential — water temperature makes immersion dangerous. Insect repellent rated for Alaska (high DEET concentration) is critical, particularly in June and early July. Sunglasses with polarized lenses help you spot fish in the clear water and protect your eyes from UV reflection off the water and tundra.

Daylight is abundant in June and July (nearly 20 hours or more), which allows long fishing days but can be disorienting if you are not accustomed to it. By September, daylight drops to roughly 12 hours, and twilight extends the fishing window but not dramatically.

Regulations and what you need to know

Alaska requires a valid sport fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Non-residents can purchase a 14-day license or an annual license through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or at sporting goods retailers in Fairbanks before you fly out. Your outfitter will remind you, but it is your responsibility to carry the license with you.

Delong Lake has no special closures or restrictions beyond statewide regulations. Grayling have no minimum size limit and no daily bag limit in this area, though catch-and-release is the norm. Lake trout, if you target them, have a 2-fish daily limit and a 24-inch minimum size in some areas — confirm current regulations with your outfitter or the Fish and Game office in Fairbanks.

Barbless hooks are not required but are encouraged for catch-and-release fishing. Most guides carry barbless flies or will pinch barbs on your flies before you fish. If you bring your own flies, consider tying or purchasing barbless patterns to reduce injury to fish you release.

Outfitters and booking a trip

Several outfitters operate trips to Delong Lake and nearby systems in the Brooks Range. The most established include Denali Air, Warbelow's Air Ventures, and Brooks Range Aviation, all based in or near Fairbanks. Each operates floatplanes and can arrange guided fishing trips, though not all focus exclusively on Delong Lake — some offer trips to multiple lakes in the region and will route you based on weather and fish activity.

Booking typically happens 2 to 6 months in advance, particularly for July and August. You contact the outfitter directly by phone or email, describe your interests (grayling fishing, fly fishing experience level, trip length), and they propose dates and pricing. Most require a deposit to hold your spot, with the balance due a few weeks before departure. Cancellation policies vary; read the terms carefully.

Cost depends on trip length and what is included. A day trip (fly out in the morning, return by evening) typically costs $500 to $800 per person, plus the cost of your fishing license and any meals you purchase. Multi-day trips with a spike camp run $1,500 to $3,000 or more per person, depending on the outfitter and the number of days. Floatplane costs are usually bundled into the outfitter's price, but confirm this before booking.

What to pack and how to prepare

Pack light but thoroughly. Floatplanes have weight limits, and outfitters will specify a luggage allowance — typically 50 to 75 pounds per person including gear. Prioritize: waders, boots, rod and reel, fly box, warm layers, rain gear, sunglasses, and insect repellent. Leave heavy items like extra shoes or books at home.

Rods should be 5-weight or 6-weight for grayling; a 9-foot rod is standard. Bring a floating line and a sink-tip line if you own one. If you do not own a rod, many outfitters rent them for a small fee — ask when you book. Reels should hold at least 100 yards of backing. Flies: bring a variety of small dry flies and nymphs in sizes 12 to 18. A small box of 50 to 100 flies is usually sufficient for a day or two of fishing.

Waders should be breathable and rated for cold water. Neoprene waders are heavier but warmer; breathable waders are lighter but require more layering underneath. Wading boots with good grip are essential — the lake bottom is rocky and slippery. Bring a wading belt to keep water out if you slip.

Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a hat are critical. The tundra reflects intense UV, and sunburn happens fast. Bring a headnet or bug jacket if you are sensitive to insects; the outfitter will have repellent, but a physical barrier is often more effective in peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need fly fishing experience to fish Delong Lake?

No, but it helps. Most outfitters welcome beginners and will teach basic casting and presentation on the water. Grayling are forgiving fish and take readily, so you can catch fish even if your casting is rough. If you have never fly fished, practice in your yard or at a local pond before the trip — even an hour or two of casting will make the experience more enjoyable.

What is the best time to go?

July and August offer the most stable weather and consistent fishing. June is possible but cold and buggy; September is excellent for fishing but weather is unpredictable. If you can only go once, choose July or early August.

Can I fish alone, or do I have to hire a guide?

You must book through an outfitter, and a guide is included in the package. You cannot arrange independent access to the lake. The guide handles the floatplane coordination, provides local knowledge, and ensures your safety in a remote area with no cell service and no emergency services nearby.

What happens if the weather is bad on my scheduled date?

Floatplanes cannot fly in high winds or heavy rain. Your outfitter will monitor forecasts and may reschedule you to the next available day or offer a partial refund if you cannot reschedule. Cancellation policies vary, so ask about this before you book.

Is Delong Lake good for families with children?

Yes, if the children are old enough to handle cold water and remote conditions. Most outfitters accept children as young as 8 or 10, though younger children may struggle with wading and the physical demands of a full day of fishing. Discuss your child's age and experience with the outfitter when you inquire about booking.