Fairbanks delivers Alaska’s finest ice fishing experiences with practical, well-organized tours. The standout options center around Chena Lake, where heated shelters and high-tech underwater cameras make winter fishing comfortable and exciting.
We particularly love the Aurora Borealis combination tour – it’s a smart way to maximize your Alaska adventure by pairing ice fishing with Northern Lights viewing. The 3-Hour Ice Fishing Experience earns our recommendation for its intimate setting and one-on-one guidance, while Cozy Cabin Tours impresses with its expert handling of salmon and arctic char catches.
These highly-rated excursions include essential amenities like heated cabins and local treats (the reindeer sausage is a must-try). Though not wheelchair friendly, the tours welcome service animals and can accommodate families with strollers.
Let’s explore the best fishing tours Fairbanks has to offer.
Good To Know
- Ice fishing tours in Fairbanks offer heated shelters, underwater cameras, and opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including salmon, trout, and arctic char.
- Culinary experiences, such as grilled fish dinners, reindeer sausage, and gourmet salmon, enhance the overall ice fishing adventure.
- Most tours maintain high ratings, with a 98% traveler recommendation rate, indicating a quality and satisfying experience.
- While some tours are not wheelchair accessible, they generally accommodate strollers and service animals, ensuring inclusivity.
- Unique features include Aurora Borealis viewing, knowledgeable guides, intimate group sizes, and opportunities to learn traditional ice fishing techniques.
Quick and Easy Ice Fishing at Chena Lake
The tranquility of Chena Lake beckons anglers seeking a serene ice fishing experience. Recommended by 97% of travelers and boasting a 4.9 rating, this excursion provides all the necessary equipment, including heated shelters, underwater cameras, and hot beverages.
Led by knowledgeable guides, participants can fish from the comfort of the shelters or venture outdoors. After a day of successful catches, guests are treated to a delicious grilled fish dinner.
With easy access from North Pole, this unique experience is a must-do for visitors to Fairbanks. Travelers praise the guides’ helpfulness and the fresh, flavorful fish, making this ice fishing tour a standout among Fairbanks’ diverse fishing offerings.
Read our full review: Quick and Easy Ice Fishing at Chena Lake Review
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Fairbanks Ice Fishing Expedition in a Heated Cabin With Fish Cookout
Fairbanks’ ice fishing enthusiasts can embark on an immersive expedition, venturing into a cozy, heated cabin nestled beside the frozen expanse of Chena Lake.
This guided tour provides all the necessary gear and tips for a successful ice fishing experience, with the chance to reel in salmon, trout, and arctic char.
Travelers can savor grilled reindeer sausage and freshly caught fish while sipping hot cocoa, all while admiring the stunning winter landscape.
With a maximum of 14 participants and a 98% traveler recommendation rate, this tour offers an unforgettable and family-friendly adventure, even for beginners.
Priced from $169 per person, it’s a must-try activity for those visiting Fairbanks.
Read our full review: Fairbanks Ice Fishing Expedition in a Heated Cabin With Fish Cookout Review
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Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure
Nestled in the heart of Fairbanks, the Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure offers a truly immersive Alaskan experience.
Rated 96% recommended with a Badge of Excellence, this tour provides the perfect blend of outdoor recreation and Northern Lights viewing. Guests can enjoy ice fishing in a deluxe cabin, relishing fresh-caught fish, reindeer sausage, and hot cocoa.
The knowledgeable guides offer hands-on instruction, ensuring a fun and engaging atmosphere. With a maximum of 14 travelers, this intimate experience promises lasting memories.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or seeking a unique Alaskan adventure, this tour delivers an unforgettable winter escapade.
Read our full review: Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure Review
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Aurora Ice – Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour
Aurora Ice – Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour offers an immersive Alaskan experience for visitors to Fairbanks. The 4.9/5 rated tour takes guests ice fishing and serves a gourmet salmon dinner.
For $210 per person, travelers can enjoy wild-caught Alaskan seafood, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate while surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the region.
Though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
While weather can impact aurora visibility, the knowledgeable guides provide an enjoyable fishing and cooking experience.
Despite minor feedback on fish preparation, the tour maintains a high 96% traveler recommendation rate, making it a must-try activity for those seeking an authentic Alaskan adventure.
Read our full review: Aurora Ice” – Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour Review
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3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience
The 3-Hour Ice Fishing Experience in Fairbanks offers visitors a chance to try their hand at traditional Alaskan fishing while enjoying the cozy comfort of a heated cabin.
Located just 10.5 miles off the Elliot Highway, the experience provides all necessary gear, including fishing rods, bait, and an Alaska fishing license.
Guests can sip on hot coffee, cocoa, or tea as they fish alongside a knowledgeable guide.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the intimate setting allows for personalized attention.
While some guests have reported difficulty finding the meeting point, the tour’s 90% recommendation rate and Badge of Excellence suggest an overall positive experience for those who arrive prepared and on time.
Read our full review: 3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience Review
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Guided Fishing Excursion in Fairbanks (Full-Day)
1st Alaska Outdoor School offers a full-day guided fishing excursion in the Fairbanks area. Priced at $370 per person, the trip accommodates up to 10 travelers and includes hotel pickup, fishing equipment, and a fishing license.
While snacks are provided, some reviewers felt the lunch was inadequate. The guided tour earns a 4.5/5 rating, with praise for the knowledgeable guide and scenic views.
However, the catch-and-release policy has been a point of contention. Non-refundable, the excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.
Confirmation is subject to availability within 48 hours of booking.
Read our full review: Guided Fishing Excursion in Fairbanks (Full-Day) Review
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Aurora Ice Fishing
Fairbanks’ Aurora Ice Fishing tour, operated by 1st Alaska Outdoor School, offers a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking northern lights while ice fishing on a frozen lake.
Priced from $305 per person, the tour includes all necessary fishing gear, coffee/tea, snacks, and a fish snack. The tour can accommodate up to 10 travelers and pickup is available from major hotels.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it promises an unforgettable experience, with positive reviews highlighting the hospitable hosts, cozy cabin, and fulfilling fishing activity.
However, visibility of the aurora lights is weather-dependent. Booking is recommended as the tour is likely to sell out.
Read our full review: Aurora Ice Fishing Review
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Half-Day River Fishing Excursion
Departing from Pikes Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, the Half-Day River Fishing Excursion offers a scenic and engaging outdoor adventure.
For $270 per person, travelers can enjoy a guided fishing trip along the Chena River, with all necessary equipment provided. The tour accommodates a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
Knowledgeable local guides share their expertise, helping anglers find the best fishing spots and master effective techniques.
After a half-day of fishing, guests return to the starting point, having had the opportunity to catch various fish species while taking in the area’s natural beauty.
With high reviews and convenient hotel pickup, this excursion is an excellent choice for those seeking a memorable fishing experience in Fairbanks.
Read our full review: Half-Day River Fishing Excursion Review
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Ice Fishing Day Tour
Embarking on an Ice Fishing Day Tour from Fairbanks allows visitors to experience the charms of winter in Alaska firsthand.
Operated by the 1st Alaska Outdoor School, this tour takes participants on a scenic drive to a prime fishing location on a frozen lake. Travelers will learn traditional ice fishing techniques and try their hand at catching freshly-cooked fish for lunch.
While reviews are mixed, the tour includes necessary equipment, snacks, and a local guide. With a maximum of 10 travelers, the experience offers a chance to take in Alaska’s winter wonderland.
However, potential guests should note the non-refundable nature of the tour and the lack of wheelchair accessibility.
Read our full review: Ice Fishing Day Tour Review
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Half-Day Ice Fishing Excursion in Fairbanks
Regularly, visitors to Fairbanks can embark on a half-day ice fishing excursion, hosted by the renowned 1st Alaska Outdoor School.
For €232.39 per person, this activity accommodates up to 12 travelers, with a minimum booking of 2. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, fishing gear, licenses, and gratuities. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea while their knowledgeable guide takes them to the best ice fishing spots.
According to reviews, the experience yields plentiful and delicious catches, thanks to the guide’s expertise and impressive cooking skills.
However, the non-refundable policy means no refunds for cancellations.
Read our full review: Half-Day Ice Fishing Excursion in Fairbanks Review
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Ice Fishing Adventure in RV With Transportation
Travelers can enjoy an exhilarating Ice Fishing Adventure in Fairbanks aboard a heated deluxe RV.
The tour includes transportation, all fishing equipment, and bottled water. After a scenic drive, guests can try their hand at ice fishing and enjoy the fresh-caught fish grilled on site.
The air-conditioned vehicle and pickup/drop-off services at hotels ensure a comfortable experience. While a fishing license is required at $15 per person, gratuities aren’t included in the pricing.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, this tour is suitable for most participants, though it’s not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Read our full review: Ice Fishing Adventure in RV With Transportation Review
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The Date With Aurora: Ice Fishing Tour From Fairbanks
On a brisk afternoon in Fairbanks, guests embark on an enchanting ice fishing tour that promises to bring them up close with the captivating Northern Lights.
Priced at $180.75 per person, this 5-hour adventure departs at 12:30 PM and can accommodate up to 55 travelers. Included are a local guide, entrance fees, and fishing equipment, though guests must have a separate fishing license.
Warm attire is essential, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Pickup is available from several Fairbanks hotels.
While nonrefundable, the tour may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances, and tips for the guide are recommended at $10 per person.
Read our full review: The Date With Aurora: Ice Fishing Tour From Fairbanks Review
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The Sum Up
Fairbanks offers a variety of ice fishing tours to suit different preferences and budgets. From quick and easy outings at Chena Lake to multi-activity adventures including Aurora viewing, these tours provide an authentic Alaskan experience. Whether you’re a novice or experienced angler, you’ll find an ice fishing tour in Fairbanks that fits your needs and lets you make the most of the region’s winter wonderland.