Red Shirt Lake Canoe & Kayak Adventure
Red Shirt Lake is prime Northern pike fishing in Nancy Lake State Recreation Area—a quiet, remote paddling escape. Reach it via scenic 3-mile hike from South Rolly Campground, perfect for solitude and off-grid anglers.
Rent canoes by day/weekend; we pre-stage them lakeside. Check in at Tippecanoe paddle shack for paddles, PFDs, access instructions.
Red Shirt Lake features four public-use cabins (water access only in summer) and a remote lakeside campground with 10 campsites at the end of the trail. This destination is extremely popular and often sells out, especially during peak season.
🟤 Backcountry · 3-Mile Hike
🎣 🦈 Northern Pike
At a Glance
Location: Trail head starts at the End of Nancy Lake Parkway, Nancy Lake State Recreation Area (Willow, Alaska)
Experience Type: Self-guided canoe or kayak adventure
Ideal for: Adventurous paddlers, anglers, couples, experienced visitors
Typical trip length: Day trip or overnight (with cabin reservation)
Access: 3-mile hike to the lake and canoes (gear must be carried)
Getting There
Check in first at the Tippecanoe Alaska building inside South Rolly Campground. After check-in, park just outside the campground at the end of Nancy Lake Parkway at the trailhead. From there, enjoy a scenic hike of approximately 3 miles to reach Red Shirt Lake.
Canoes are staged at the lake, but all personal gear must be packed in with you. Plan accordingly and be sure to bring what you’ll need for your day on the water.
Your Adventure Options
Canoe or Kayak Rental: Explore Red Shirt Lake at your own pace
Fishing Package Add-On: Single-person fishing gear add-on with rod, tackle, and essentials. (fishing license not included).
Self-Guided Fishing Package for Two: A complete, bundled fishing setup for two people, including rods, tackle, and shared essentials — ideal for couples or partners fishing together (fishing license not included).
Overnight Adventure: – Pair your paddle with a reserved Red Shirt Lake cabin or stay at one of the remote campsites. (State Parks rules/fees apply).
Fish the Midnight Sun (walk-up only) – Evening pickup and return the next morning (subject to availability)
Wildlife Viewing: Loons, waterfowl, and moose are commonly spotted
Mountain Bike & Paddle Option: Some visitors choose to mountain bike to the lake instead of hiking. This option is not beginner-level and is recommended only for experienced riders comfortable with trail riding and carrying gear.
Discover
What to Expect on the Water
Red Shirt Lake delivers a peaceful backcountry feel. The shoreline is undeveloped, and human traffic is minimal compared to more accessible lakes. While the lake is often calm, wind can occasionally create choppier conditions, particularly across open stretches of water.
If you’re paddling to Cabin 4, which is located across the lake, it’s a good idea to plan around wind and weather. Cabins 1 and 2 are generally more sheltered due to their location, but conditions can still change quickly and should always be assessed before heading out.
This is a quiet place to paddle, fish, or simply enjoy being off-grid. Expect limited cell service, changing weather conditions, and plan accordingly.
Northern Pike Fishing at Red Shirt Lake
Red Shirt Lake is a popular northern pike fishing destination within Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. Pike are aggressive predators and can be caught from shore or by canoe, making this lake a favorite for anglers looking for action and opportunity.
Fishing Regulations & License
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A valid Alaska fishing license is required
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Always follow current regulations set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
👉 Fishing license & regulations:
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishing.main
Recommended Pike Lures
Northern pike are opportunistic feeders and respond well to:
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Spinnerbaits
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Spoons (red/white, silver, or gold)
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Large spoons with flash
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Soft plastics
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Crankbaits and swimbaits
Heavier leaders are recommended, as pike have sharp teeth.
What’s Included in Our Fishing Package
Our self-guided fishing packages are designed to keep things simple and accessible:
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Ugly Stik rod rigged with braided line
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Steel leaders suitable for northern pike
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Landing net
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Fish bonker
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Jaw spreaders and hook remover
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A selection of lures (suitable for both northern pike and stocked rainbow trout)
Fishing packages are available as:
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Self-Guided Fishing Package for Two (ideal for partners or couples)
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Fishing Package Add-On (single angler option)
Skill Level & Trail Info
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Recommended experience: Intermediate
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Trail Distance: ~3 miles each way
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Important Note: All personal gear must be carried in
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This trip is best suited for paddlers comfortable with longer walks while carrying equipment.
Gear & What We Provide
We provide:
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Canoe, kayak, fishing gear available for rent
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Paddles
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U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets (all sizes)
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Basic local orientation and pickup instructions
You bring:
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Weather-appropriate clothing and layers
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Food, water, and personal items
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Bear spray (recommended and we rent it)
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Dry bags or protective storage for electronics (optional rentals available)
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Print this Map, bring your GPS, Download the free OuterSpatial app
Cabins & Camping
Cabins
Red Shirt Lake features four public-use cabin are available at Red Shirt Lake through Alaska State Parks. Cabin reservations are required and must be made separately through the state system before booking your watercraft.
Camping
Remote lakeside campground with 10 sites. Campsites are primitive and typically include a cleared tent area and a fire ring. No potable water or services are available.
Campers should plan to be fully self-sufficient and follow all Alaska State Parks rules and Leave No Trace principles to help keep the area wild and enjoyable for everyone.
Planning Notes
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Cabin and campsite availability varies by lake
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Cabins must be reserved separately through Alaska State Parks. Campsite are first come first served.
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Tippecanoe provides boats and paddling gear only; overnight gear is not included
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Paddling is often the primary or most efficient way to access overnight locations
Safety & Conditions
This is a self-guided outdoor experience in a natural Alaskan setting. Weather can change quickly, and cell service may be limited or unavailable. Always check the forecast, plan conservatively, and paddle within your comfort level. Wear a life jacket; they save lives. Alaska law: 1 USCG-approved PFD per person on the boat. Kids 13 & under MUST wear at all times on open boats/deck.
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No cell service in most areas
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Weather can change quickly
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Life jackets are required
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Bears and other wildlife are active in the area
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Pack out everything you bring in
Helpful Planning Tools
We recommend downloading the free OuterSpatial app before your trip. It provides offline maps, trailhead locations, cabins, campgrounds, and navigation tools for Nancy Lake State Recreation Area — especially helpful where cell service is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Red Shirt Lake?
3 miles one way from the end of Nancy Lake Parkway at South Rolly Campground trailhead (~1.5-2 hrs with moderate pack). Trail is well-defined but expect roots/rocks/mud.
Do I need to carry my canoe?
You pick up paddles and PFDs first at our Tippecanoe paddle shack, then hike in with just personal gear. No canoe carrying needed—we pre-stage them at the lakeshore!
Are cabins reservable through you?
No—cabins book directly through Alaska State Parks. Reserve first, then book your canoe with us.
What about campsites?
10 primitive sites at trail's end—first-come, first-served (no reservations).
Do I really need bear spray?
Yes—active black bear country. Alaska DF&G recommends it (better than guns for most). Rent from us ($10/day) or bring your own.
What's the best time of year?
June-August (pike active)—peak season but mosquitoes are heavy. May/September offers fewer crowds and bugs, weather permitting.
What if weather's bad?
Self-guided—you check the forecast and decide. Reschedule 48+ hours before pickup (per our policy). Wind over 15mph gets challenging on open water. Lightning? Get off immediately.
Is This the Right Lake for You?
Choose Red Shirt Lake if you want:
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A quieter, less crowded lake
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A more adventurous, earned experience
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Great fishing opportunities
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Backcountry solitude
Consider another lake if you prefer:
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Short walks or no hiking
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Easy vehicle access
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Hourly rentals
How to Book
Reserve a State Parks cabin first if your trip includes an overnight stay.
Book your canoe or kayak with Tippecanoe for your selected lake and dates.
Complete the required waivers sent after booking.
Check in at the Tippecanoe building inside South Rolly Campground to pick up paddles, life jackets, and keys, then head out for your self-guided adventure.