Alaska’s Largest Lake: A Mythical Wilderness Offering Premier Fishing and Abundant Wildlife

Alaska is a paradise for sport fishing enthusiasts, boasting over 3 million natural lakes. Anglers flock to the 49th state each summer seeking a trophy-worthy catch surrounded by unspoiled wilderness. Lake Iliamna, Alaska’s largest at 77 miles long, is a gem tucked into the state’s isolated southwest and is home to not only the largest sockeye salmon population in the world, but is also shrouded in mystery. A legendary aquatic creature is said to inhabit the lake’s depths.

The myth of the Iliamna Lake Monster dates back to the indigenous tribes who first occupied the land. The legend persisted into the 1940s, when pilots flying over the region said they’d seen something strange in the water below. Even today, according to The Alaska Frontier, some locals maintain they’ve seen the monster, nicknamed Illie or Gonakadet, lurking off the shores of the lake. Theories behind the sightings range from a giant white sturgeon to a rarely seen oarfish or even a stray beluga whale, as the lake connects to Bristol Bay on the Bering Sea 60 miles to the southwest, and marine animals could feasibly make their way into the lake. Whether you believe the legend or not, Lake Iliamna remains an enchanting draw for visitors seeking a one-of-a-kind vacation in a remote, pristine destination.

Fishing is the primary draw on Lake Iliamna. From June through late September each year, anglers seek out the rainbow trout, Alaska northern pike, and Dolly Varden trout that call the clear, cold water home. Sockeye salmon are so plentiful here that fishermen are allowed to catch and keep the red-hued fish, and many lodges will pack, freeze, and ship your bounty home.

If you need a day off from fishing, explore the scenic Alaska lake by kayak. The 1,600-square-mile lake and its multitude of small uninhabited islands are perfect to explore alone, with a friend, or with a guide. The lake is also home to a rare species of freshwater seals, one of only five known populations in the northern hemisphere.

If you’re in the mood for an adventurous detour, you could go to the little-visited but beautiful Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, which is a hiker’s dream. Experienced backpackers should have no problem here, and you can enjoy gems like the Tanalian Falls Trail, which leads hikers to a stunning glacial waterfall that cascades over a 30-foot ancient lava cliff. The park is only accessible by plane, though, so you shouldn’t expect to drive here. Katmai National Park is another great destination that is again only accessible via boat or plane. But it contains a great population of brown bears, moose, and eagles, and every year before hibernation, people vote on the internet for the fattest bear in the park.