Explore the Mat-Su Valley by Boat
The Mat-Su Valley offers some of Southcentral Alaska’s most diverse
boating opportunities. The region includes large glacial rivers,
shallow salmon streams, remote tributaries, connected lake systems,
family-friendly recreational lakes, and backcountry areas that are
difficult to reach by road.
Boaters can explore the Susitna River system, fish the Deshka and
Little Susitna rivers, cruise Big Lake, visit remote camps, access
hunting areas, or spend a relaxing day fishing one of the valley’s
many lakes.
Alaska Wild Rentals offers several types of boats for Mat-Su
adventures. The right choice depends on whether you plan to travel on
a shallow river, large glacial river, protected lake, narrow slough,
or remote tributary.
Choosing the Right Boat for the Mat-Su Valley
Best for Rivers
Shallow-Water Jet Boats
Jet boats are one of the most versatile options for exploring the
Susitna River drainage. Their jet-driven motors eliminate the
exposed propeller found on traditional outboards and allow them to
operate in shallower water.
Popular uses
- Susitna River travel
- Deshka River fishing
- Yentna River adventures
- Remote hunting access
- Backcountry camping
- Salmon fishing
Jet boats reduce the risk of propeller damage, but they are not
immune to shallow-water hazards. Gravel bars, submerged trees,
narrow channels, changing river levels, and heavy loads must still
be considered.
Best for Lakes
Aluminum Fishing Boats
Aluminum fishing boats are a comfortable option for many of the
Mat-Su Valley’s road-accessible lakes. They provide a stable
platform for fishing, sightseeing, family recreation, and carrying
camping equipment.
Popular uses
- Big Lake recreation
- Lake Louise fishing
- Family sightseeing
- Trolling for trout
- Camping access
- Wildlife photography
These boats are generally best suited for lakes and deeper water.
They are not designed to follow shallow jet boats through braided
river channels or across exposed gravel bars.
Portable Option
Inflatable Boats and Kaboats
Inflatable boats and Kaboats offer a portable option for lakes,
protected waterways, float trips, and locations where launching a
larger trailer boat may be difficult.
Popular uses
- Small lake fishing
- Protected waterways
- Camping trips
- Float trips
- Easy transportation
- Exploring connected lakes
Boat size, motor size, passenger load, current, wind, and expected
conditions must be considered before choosing an inflatable boat
for a particular trip.
Where to Take a Boat in the Mat-Su Valley
The Mat-Su Valley covers a large area with dramatically different
boating environments. Some destinations are suitable for families and
beginning boaters, while others require extensive river-running
experience, navigation skills, fuel planning, and emergency
communication.
01
Susitna River
The Susitna River is the center of a vast river system extending
through much of Southcentral Alaska. It provides access to
tributaries, fishing areas, remote cabins, hunting country, and
wilderness camps.
The river is wide, silty, fast-moving, and constantly changing.
Channels that were open during one trip may become shallow,
blocked, or rerouted during the next.
Good for
- Jet boating
- Backcountry transportation
- Fishing access
- Remote camping
- Hunting transportation
- Scenic exploration
02
Deshka River
The Deshka River is one of the Mat-Su Valley’s best-known salmon
fishing destinations. It is commonly reached by traveling from
Deshka Landing through the Susitna River system.
The lower river is popular with salmon anglers, while traveling
farther upstream can provide access to quieter fishing areas,
campsites, and wilderness scenery.
Good for
- Salmon fishing
- Jet boat trips
- Camping
- Wildlife viewing
- River exploration
03
Yentna River
The Yentna River branches from the Susitna and provides access to
an enormous backcountry area. It is used by anglers, hunters,
cabin owners, guides, and travelers heading toward remote
tributaries.
Yentna trips often involve long distances, heavy loads, changing
channels, limited services, and little or no cell coverage.
Good for
- Extended jet boat trips
- Remote hunting access
- Fishing tributaries
- Cabin transportation
- Backcountry camping
- Experienced river boaters
04
Little Susitna River
The Little Susitna River, commonly called the Little Su, is known
for salmon fishing and scenic river recreation. A public-use
facility west of Wasilla provides boat access to the lower river.
The Little Su contains current, bends, shallow areas, submerged
trees, and changing channels. Operators must remain attentive and
adjust speed to the conditions.
Good for
- Salmon fishing
- Day trips
- Wildlife viewing
- Jet boating
- River camping
05
Alexander Creek
Alexander Creek is a tributary of the Susitna River and is reached
by boat. The area has historically been used for fishing, hunting,
cabin access, and remote recreation.
Shallow water, vegetation, narrow areas, debris, and changing
conditions may make access more difficult than travel on the main
river.
Good for
- Remote fishing
- Hunting access
- Cabin transportation
- Backcountry exploration
- Experienced operators
06
Talkeetna River Area
The Talkeetna area sits near the meeting point of several major
rivers and offers spectacular mountain views, fishing, sightseeing,
and access to remote country.
These rivers may contain swift current, glacial water, shallow
channels, large gravel bars, sweepers, and other hazards. They
should not be treated as beginner boating areas.
Good for
- Experienced jet boaters
- Scenic river trips
- Fishing access
- Photography
- Remote camping
07
Big Lake
Big Lake is one of the Mat-Su Valley’s most popular recreational
lakes. Its road access, launch facilities, developed shoreline,
and large surface area make it a popular destination for residents
and visitors.
The lake can become busy during warm weekends and holidays. Wind,
boat wakes, water traffic, shallow areas, and other recreational
users should be considered.
Good for
- Family boating
- Fishing
- Watersports
- Scenic cruising
- Wildlife viewing
- Day trips
08
Nancy Lake Recreation Area
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area contains a network of lakes
surrounded by forest, wetlands, campsites, trails, and public-use
cabins.
Some waters are best suited for small boats, canoes, kayaks, or
portable inflatables. Motor restrictions, launch access, and
connections between lakes vary throughout the recreation area.
Good for
- Small-boat fishing
- Camping
- Cabin access
- Canoeing and paddling
- Wildlife viewing
- Family recreation
09
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a large road-accessible lake northeast of the main
Palmer and Wasilla area. It is known for fishing, boating, camping,
cabin access, and expansive mountain scenery.
Because the lake is large and exposed, wind can build waves and
make conditions more challenging. Boaters should monitor the
forecast and avoid overloading smaller boats.
Good for
- Lake trout fishing
- Trolling
- Camping
- Cabin access
- Scenic cruising
- Wildlife photography
10
Other Mat-Su Lakes
The valley contains numerous smaller road-accessible and
backcountry lakes. Depending on public access and local
restrictions, these waters may offer excellent fishing and quiet
family recreation.
Always confirm legal public access, parking, launch facilities,
motor restrictions, private property boundaries, and water depth
before arriving with a trailer boat.
Good for
- Trout fishing
- Small-boat recreation
- Family outings
- Camping
- Photography
Important River Information
Mat-Su Rivers Change Constantly
The Susitna River system is not a marked or maintained boating route.
Glacial silt, changing water levels, erosion, flooding, and sediment
movement can create new channels and eliminate old ones.
Common hazards include gravel bars, submerged logs, sweepers, floating
debris, shallow channels, strong current, steep cutbanks, and blind
corners. Water that appears smooth may be only inches deep.
Previous experience on a river does not guarantee that the same route
will be safe during a future trip. Operators must continuously read
the water and remain prepared to slow down, turn around, or change
their route.
Fishing in the Mat-Su Valley
The Mat-Su Valley contains both salmon-producing rivers and stocked or
naturally productive lakes. Available species depend on the waterway,
season, annual run strength, and current emergency orders.
Salmon
- King or Chinook salmon
- Silver or coho salmon
- Sockeye or red salmon
- Pink or humpy salmon
- Chum salmon
Freshwater Fish
- Rainbow trout
- Arctic char
- Dolly Varden
- Arctic grayling
- Lake trout
- Northern pike in designated waters
Salmon fishing is popular on the Deshka River, Little Susitna River,
and several tributaries throughout the Susitna drainage. The valley’s
lakes may provide opportunities for trout, char, grayling, lake trout,
and other species.
Fishing Regulations and Emergency Orders
Mat-Su fishing regulations can change during the season. King salmon
fisheries are sometimes restricted or closed to protect returning
fish, while other salmon opportunities may remain open.
Rules can vary between the main river, tributaries, stream mouths,
lakes, and specific sections of the same waterway. Never assume that a
regulation applying in one area also applies to a nearby tributary.
Every angler is responsible for reviewing the current Alaska
Department of Fish and Game regulations and emergency orders before
fishing.
- Open and closed waters
- Current salmon seasons
- Bag and possession limits
- Catch-and-release requirements
- Bait and hook restrictions
- Special stream-mouth boundaries
- Personal-use fishing rules
- Fish-count and run information
Hunting and Game
The Mat-Su Valley and Susitna River drainage provide access to a large
amount of hunting country. Boats are frequently used to transport
hunters, camps, fuel, and equipment into areas that cannot be reached
directly from the road system.
- Moose
- Black bear
- Brown bear
- Caribou in applicable areas
- Waterfowl
- Grouse
- Ptarmigan
- Other small game
A boat can provide access to sloughs, riverbanks, remote camps,
wetlands, and tributaries. However, the ability to reach an area by
boat does not automatically make it legal to hunt there.
Hunters must confirm the applicable Game Management Unit, season,
permit requirements, land ownership, discharge restrictions, salvage
requirements, and motorized-access rules before departing.
Plan for Hunting Loads
Hunting equipment, passengers, fuel, camping supplies, and harvested
game can add a significant amount of weight to a boat. Excess weight
reduces freeboard, acceleration, steering response, fuel economy, and
shallow-water performance.
A boat that reaches camp safely with two people and light equipment
may not perform the same way when returning with a large animal and a
full load of gear.
Account for
- Passenger weight
- Fuel and fuel containers
- Camping equipment
- Hunting equipment
- Food and water
- Harvested game
Leave room for
- Emergency supplies
- Additional fuel reserve
- Safe passenger seating
- Clear access to safety equipment
- Proper weight distribution
- Changing river conditions
Recreational Activities in the Mat-Su Valley
Fishing and hunting are only part of what the Mat-Su Valley offers.
Renting a boat can open the door to a wide variety of family,
backcountry, and sightseeing adventures.
Remote Camping
Carry your camp to a quiet riverbank, lake shoreline, public-use
cabin, or backcountry destination away from the road system.
Wildlife Viewing
Watch for moose, bears, eagles, waterfowl, beavers, river otters,
and other animals along rivers, sloughs, and lake shorelines.
Family Boating
Spend a summer day cruising, picnicking, swimming, fishing, or
enjoying watersports on an appropriate recreational lake.
Photography
Photograph braided rivers, mountains, forested shorelines,
wildlife, sunsets, and views of the Alaska Range.
Cabin Access
Reach remote cabins and private destinations where legal access is
available by river or lake.
Backcountry Exploration
Use a capable boat to explore remote waterways, tributaries, and
wilderness areas beyond normal road access.
Wildlife in the Mat-Su Valley
The river corridors, wetlands, forests, and lakes of the Mat-Su Valley
support a wide variety of wildlife. Sightings are never guaranteed,
but boaters may encounter:
- Moose
- Black bears
- Brown bears
- Beavers
- River otters
- Bald eagles
- Trumpeter swans
- Ducks and geese
- Sandhill cranes
- Other migratory birds
Give wildlife plenty of space. Do not approach animals closely,
disturb nesting birds, block an animal’s travel route, or leave food
and fish waste unsecured at camp.
Popular Mat-Su Boat Launch Areas
Launch facilities vary from developed concrete ramps to gravel banks
and privately managed landings. Fees, parking rules, operating hours,
water depth, and seasonal availability may change.
Deshka Landing
A commonly used access point for the Susitna, Deshka, and Yentna
river systems.
Little Susitna Public Use Facility
A developed access point used by anglers and recreational boaters
traveling on the lower Little Susitna River.
Big Lake Launches
Several launch and marina options serve recreational boaters,
anglers, property owners, and visitors to Big Lake.
Lake Louise Launch
Provides road-accessible boat launching for fishing, camping, and
recreational trips on Lake Louise.
Confirm current ramp conditions, launch fees, parking availability,
and operating rules directly with the facility before your trip.
River and Lake Safety
Prepare for Changing Alaska Conditions
Mat-Su weather and water conditions can change quickly. Wind can make
large lakes rough, rain can raise river levels, warm weather can
increase glacial runoff, and storms can send debris downstream.
Everyone onboard should wear a properly fitted life jacket while the
boat is underway. Cold water can quickly reduce a person’s ability to
swim or assist with their own rescue.
Bring on Every Trip
- Properly fitted life jackets
- Warm waterproof clothing
- Navigation equipment
- Emergency communication
- Food and drinking water
- First-aid supplies
- Basic tools and repair supplies
- Additional fuel reserve
Check Before Departing
- Weather forecast
- Wind speed and direction
- River levels
- Launch conditions
- Fuel requirements
- Passenger and cargo weight
- Available daylight
- Current fishing or hunting rules
Stay Connected Beyond Cell Service
Cell service is limited or unavailable throughout much of the Susitna
River drainage. A cell phone should not be your only form of
navigation or emergency communication.
Consider adding a Garmin GPSMAP 67i handheld GPS and satellite
communicator to your rental. Our Garmin includes an active inReach
subscription and is ready for navigation, two-way satellite
messaging, location sharing, and interactive SOS communication.
View Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rental
Why Rent from Alaska Wild Rentals?
- Shallow-running jet boat rentals
- Aluminum fishing boats and portable inflatables
- Daily, weekly, and extended rental options
- Boats provided on trailers for road-system travel
- Required boat safety equipment included
- Optional delivery arrangements
- Garmin satellite communicator rentals available
- Starlink rentals available for remote camps
- Local experience with Alaska rivers and lakes
- Boat options for fishing, hunting, and recreation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rental boat for the Susitna River?
A shallow-running jet boat is generally the best option from our
fleet for the Susitna River. The right model depends on your
route, passenger count, cargo weight, experience, and expected
water conditions.
Can beginners operate a jet boat?
The controls may be straightforward, but safely reading a
shallow braided river requires judgment and experience.
Beginning operators should choose a conservative destination and
avoid unfamiliar, narrow, or highly technical routes.
Can I take a rental boat to the Deshka River?
Approved jet boats may be used for Deshka River trips when the
renter, route, load, and current conditions are appropriate.
Contact us with your trip plan so we can recommend the best
option.
Can I take a rental boat up the Yentna River?
Yentna River trips may be possible with an approved jet boat and
experienced operator. These trips require careful fuel planning,
navigation, emergency communication, and an understanding of
changing glacial-river channels.
Which boat should I use on Big Lake?
An aluminum fishing boat is generally a good option for Big Lake
fishing, sightseeing, and family recreation. Group size, weather,
planned activities, and the ability of the tow vehicle should
also be considered.
Can I use an inflatable boat in the Mat-Su Valley?
Yes. Inflatable boats and Kaboats may work well on protected
lakes, small waterways, and certain float-trip routes. They are
not the best choice for every section of the Susitna River
system.
Can I use the boat for a moose hunt?
Some boats may be used for approved hunting trips. Passenger
weight, gear, fuel, anticipated meat weight, route, water depth,
and operator experience must all be considered before selecting
a boat.
Is safety equipment included?
Required boat safety equipment is included. Renters should also
bring appropriate clothing, food, drinking water, navigation
equipment, emergency communication, and any trip-specific
safety gear.
Do you deliver boats in the Mat-Su Valley?
Delivery may be available depending on the destination, boat,
rental dates, and current schedule. Contact Alaska Wild Rentals
for availability and pricing.
Explore the Susitna River and Mat-Su Lakes
Start Your Mat-Su Valley Adventure
Fish salmon, reach a remote camp, explore the Susitna River, spend a
day on Big Lake, or access Alaska’s backcountry with a boat from
Alaska Wild Rentals.
