Eight feet of ice, 40-pound sheefish, and time spent among the locals create an unforgettable fishing journey in Alaska’s high Arctic.
The Stillness of the Arctic
Jigging spoons had been the routine for five hours, drilling through thick ice to reach the water below. The vastness of Kotzebue Sound stretched out, silent except for the occasional chatter of ravens and the distant hum of a snowmobile from the village. The crisp Arctic air stung with every breath, yet the peaceful solitude made the effort worthwhile.
In the midst of this frozen expanse, a tiny rod suddenly doubled over. A sheefish finally emerged through the 10-inch hole—a modest catch, but the thrill remained. Knowing these fish travel in schools, the jigging continued into the night. With the sun setting on the horizon of a frozen sea, it was time to retreat and try again the next day.
A Father & Son Arctic Encounter
Two years prior, an adventure unfolded with a son experiencing the Arctic for the first time. Traveling by snowmachine with longtime local, Lew Pagel, the journey led to a lone fisherman named Dan, hunched over a single ice hole with a rudimentary niksik—a traditional fishing stick crafted from willow. With precision, Dan hauled in a massive 30-pound sheefish, rebaited with a herring found in its stomach, and immediately hooked another.
Following Dan’s guidance, the fishing spot was changed, and within minutes, sheefish after sheefish was pulled from the ice—some exceeding 30 pounds. The experience left a lasting impact, sparking a newfound love for the Arctic way of life. Years later, that passion led to a permanent return to Alaska.
Finding the Sheefish Hotspot
A second attempt at ice fishing on Kotzebue Sound seemed fruitless until word spread that the sheefish had moved closer to town. Lines were quickly dropped into the water, and almost instantly, the battle was on. A giant sheefish, stripping line at an alarming rate, put up an incredible fight. Finally, after a tense struggle, the 40-pound behemoth was pulled through the ice, drawing gasps from onlookers.
The action continued. A rod bent over again, followed by another. Fish weighing 18 to 25 pounds came through the ice hole one after another. Locals gathered as news spread of the sheefish run, eager to take advantage of the Arctic’s seasonal bounty.
The Arctic Fishing Experience
When conditions align, Kotzebue Sound becomes one of the best places in the world to target these elusive giants. The ideal fishing window spans from mid-March through late April, when the days grow longer and temperatures become more manageable. Guided and do-it-yourself trips offer anglers the opportunity to experience the magic of sheefishing firsthand, with everything from snowmachines to ice shelters provided.
No guarantees exist in the Arctic, but patience and persistence often lead to unforgettable rewards beneath the ice. Whether witnessing an elder expertly work a niksik or battling a personal best sheefish, the Arctic’s icy waters hold stories waiting to be told.
Image/Source: OL
