Finger Lake

Finger Lake State Recreation Site protects a popular fishing and recreation lake in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley near Wasilla, Alaska. The 120-acre site provides convenient access to a productive fishing lake for the Mat-Su Valley's growing population. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and landlocked salmon, offering quality fishing opportunities close to urban services.

The lake and surrounding wetlands support moose, beavers, and various waterfowl. The stocked fish populations include rainbow trout and landlocked salmon that provide excellent sport fishing. Loons, grebes, and ducks utilize the lake for nesting and feeding, while songbirds populate the surrounding forest during summer months.

Mixed boreal forest of birch, spruce, and cottonwood surrounds the lake, with willows and alders in wetter areas. Aquatic vegetation provides fish habitat and attracts waterfowl. The relatively mild Southcentral climate supports lush growth of understory plants including devil's club, ferns, and various berries.

Finger Lake occupies a glacial kettle depression in the Matanuska-Susitna lowlands, formed when buried glacial ice melted and left a hole in the landscape. The area is covered with glacial deposits from ice age glaciers that once filled the Cook Inlet basin. The poorly drained landscape contains numerous similar small lakes and wetlands.

The Mat-Su Valley experiences a transitional climate moderated by Cook Inlet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-70°F while winters are milder than the interior, with temperatures from 5-25°F. Annual precipitation averages about 16 inches with moderate snowfall. The long summer days produce rapid plant growth and good fishing conditions.

Dena'ina Athabascan peoples utilized the lakes and rivers of the Mat-Su region for fishing and hunting for thousands of years. Agricultural colonization in the 1930s and suburban growth since the 1970s have transformed the valley into a populous region. Recreational access to lakes like Finger Lake has become increasingly important as the population grows.

Finger Lake State Recreation Site was developed to provide public access to a quality fishing lake as the Mat-Su Valley population expanded. The site serves local residents seeking convenient outdoor recreation without long travel. Fish stocking programs have enhanced the naturally limited fishery to meet angling demand.

Rainbow trout and landlocked salmon fishing is the primary attraction, with bank fishing access and opportunities for small boats and float tubes. The campground offers weekend and overnight facilities for local residents. The accessible location makes this a popular destination for family fishing outings. Winter ice fishing extends the angling season.

The recreation site offers approximately 30 campsites, picnic areas, vault toilets, and a boat launch for small craft. Located near Wasilla, the site is accessible by paved road with easy access from the Parks Highway corridor. Full services are available in nearby Wasilla and Palmer.

Fish stocking programs are coordinated with Alaska Department of Fish and Game to maintain quality fishing despite heavy use from the nearby population. Water quality monitoring ensures the lake remains healthy for fish and recreation. The site provides concentrated access that helps protect other natural areas from dispersed impacts.