What Hidden Lake Offers and How to Get There

Hidden Lake sits in the Chugach Mountains southeast of Anchorage, roughly 60 miles away by road and trail. The lake itself is small—roughly 40 acres—and sits at about 2,000 feet elevation in a cirque basin. Access requires a combination of driving and hiking: you take the Seward Highway south from Anchorage, turn onto the Turnagain Arm Trail road near Girdwood, and then hike roughly 3 miles to reach the lake. The trail gains elevation steadily but is well-marked and maintained by the Chugach National Forest.

The drive to the trailhead takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and road conditions. The hike itself typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours one way. The trail is open year-round, but snow and ice make it impassable from November through April for most anglers. Late May through September is the practical fishing season, with July and August offering the most stable weather and easiest access.

Hidden Lake has no developed facilities—no parking lot, no outhouse, no shelter. Park along the shoulder of the Turnagain Arm Trail road where other hikers leave vehicles. Bring everything you need: water, food, rain gear, and a headlamp if you plan to fish into evening. Cell service is unreliable at the lake.

Key Takeaways

  • Hidden Lake holds cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char, with cutthroat more common and generally larger.
  • The lake is small and shallow, making it sensitive to fishing pressure; catch-and-release is the standard practice and helps preserve the fishery.
  • Access requires a 3-mile hike gaining roughly 1,500 feet elevation, so plan for a full day and bring adequate water and food.
  • Alaska fishing regulations require a current fishing license; check the current regulations for Hidden Lake before you go, as rules can change.
  • The best fishing window is July through early September, when snow is gone and water temperatures support active feeding.

Fish Species and Seasonal Patterns

Cutthroat trout are the primary target at Hidden Lake. They typically range from 8 to 14 inches, though fish to 16 inches are caught regularly. Cutthroat in this lake are aggressive feeders and will take small dry flies, nymphs, and spinners. They are most active in early morning and late evening, and during overcast days when light is diffuse.

Dolly Varden char are also present but less numerous than cutthroat. They tend to be smaller (6 to 10 inches) and occupy deeper water and the inlet stream. Dolly Varden are less selective than cutthroat and will chase larger, flashier presentations.

Water temperature drives feeding behavior. In July and August, the lake warms enough to support consistent surface activity. By late August and September, water cools and fish move deeper and feed less predictably. Spring (late May and June) can be productive as the lake clears and fish emerge from winter dormancy, but snow melt keeps water cold and visibility low.

The inlet stream that feeds Hidden Lake holds smaller cutthroat and char. If the lake is slow, spending an hour working the inlet can produce steady action on smaller fish.

Tackle and Technique for Small Mountain Lakes

Fly fishing is the most effective method at Hidden Lake. A 4-weight or 5-weight rod is ideal—light enough to cast small flies accurately and heavy enough to handle wind that can pick up in afternoon. Bring a floating line and a sink-tip line; the floating line works for dry flies and shallow nymphing, while the sink-tip reaches fish that move deeper as the day warms.

Dry flies in sizes 14 to 18 work well on calm mornings and evenings. Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and small Stimulators imitate the insects that emerge from the lake. Nymphs—Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and small Copper Johns in sizes 14 to 16—are reliable all day. Bring a few small spinners (size 0 or 1) as backup; they work when fish are less interested in flies.

Spin fishing is also viable. Small spinners (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) and inline spoons cast easily and cover water quickly. If you are new to fly fishing or prefer simplicity, spinning gear is a practical choice for Hidden Lake.

The lake has shallow areas near the inlet and outlet, and deeper water in the center. Start by working the shallows and edges in early morning, then move to deeper water as the sun climbs. Fish the inlet stream if the main lake is slow.

Regulations and Licensing

Alaska requires a current fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, at sporting goods stores in Anchorage, or at the Girdwood visitor center. A 3-day license is available if you are visiting briefly; a full-year license is cheaper if you plan multiple trips.

Hidden Lake falls under the Southcentral Alaska region. Current regulations allow catch-and-release fishing year-round, but there are restrictions on harvest. Check the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or call their Anchorage office before your trip to confirm current rules for Hidden Lake specifically, as regulations can change and may differ from other nearby waters.

Barbless hooks are not required at Hidden Lake, but they reduce injury to fish and make catch-and-release easier. Many anglers use them as standard practice on small mountain lakes.

Weather, Hazards, and What to Bring

Weather in the Chugach Mountains changes rapidly. A clear morning can turn to rain and wind by afternoon. Bring rain gear, a warm layer (fleece or wool), and a wind-resistant jacket even in summer. Temperatures at 2,000 feet are typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Anchorage, and wind chill can make it feel colder.

The hike crosses avalanche terrain in winter and early spring, but by late May the snowpack is stable enough for hiking. Stream crossings can be difficult during heavy rain or rapid snowmelt; check conditions before you go if there has been recent precipitation.

Bring at least 2 liters of water. The lake water is cold and clear but not reliably safe to drink untreated. A water filter or purification tablets are lightweight and practical. Bring high-calorie snacks—energy bars, nuts, dried fruit—because the hike burns calories and you will be fishing at elevation.

Bears are present in the Chugach Mountains. Make noise on the trail, store food in a bear canister or hang it if you plan to stay several hours, and never leave fish scraps at the lake. Encounters are rare, but awareness and caution are essential.

When to Fish Hidden Lake

July and August are the most reliable months. Snow is gone, the trail is dry, and water temperature supports active feeding. Expect other anglers on weekends, particularly in mid-July and early August. Weekday trips are quieter.

June can be excellent if you are willing to deal with lingering snow patches and cold water. Fish are hungry after winter, and fewer anglers are on the trail. Late May is possible but snow may block the upper trail.

September is productive early in the month (first two weeks) but water cools rapidly and fishing slows. By late September, snow often returns to higher elevations and the trail becomes unreliable.

Avoid Hidden Lake from October through April. Snow, ice, and avalanche hazard make access dangerous or impossible. Winter mountaineering experience and avalanche training are required if you attempt the hike in winter.

Alternatives if Hidden Lake is Crowded or Inaccessible

If Hidden Lake is too busy or snow blocks the trail, several other small lakes in the Chugach National Forest offer similar fishing. Emerald Lake, also accessed from the Turnagain Arm Trail area, holds cutthroat and Dolly Varden and is slightly lower in elevation, making it accessible earlier in the season. The hike is similar in length and difficulty.

Eklutna Lake, north of Anchorage near the Glenn Highway, is larger and more developed. It has a parking lot, boat rentals, and a campground. Fishing is good for cutthroat and Dolly Varden, though the lake is busier and less remote than Hidden Lake.

If you want a less strenuous option, several streams near Anchorage—Ship Creek, Campbell Creek, and the Sixmile Creek system—hold cutthroat and char and are accessible by car. They are more crowded but require no hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat or raft to fish Hidden Lake?

No. The lake is small enough that you can fish the entire shoreline and productive areas from shore. A float tube or small raft would extend your range, but they are not necessary and add weight to carry on the hike. Most anglers fish from shore and do well.

Can I camp at Hidden Lake?

Camping is not developed at Hidden Lake, but dispersed camping is allowed on Chugach National Forest land. If you camp, camp well away from the lake to avoid contaminating the water and to minimize impact on the fishery. Bring a camp stove; fires are not recommended. Check current Chugach National Forest regulations before you go.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (two hours before sunset) are most productive. Midday fishing is slower, particularly on clear, sunny days. Overcast days can produce all day. If you have only a few hours, plan to be on the water at dawn.

How crowded is Hidden Lake?

Hidden Lake sees moderate use on weekends in July and August, but it is far less crowded than roadside lakes near Anchorage. Weekday trips are quiet. The hike keeps casual anglers away, so you will encounter mostly experienced fishers and hikers who respect the resource.

What if I slip on the trail or get injured?

Cell service is unreliable at Hidden Lake and spotty on the trail. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator if you are concerned about emergency communication. The trail is steep but not technical; most injuries are minor. Hike carefully, especially on the descent.