South Rolly Lake Canoe & Kayak Rental | Willow AK Fishing | Tippecanoe
South Rolly Lake offers easy canoe & kayak rentals in Nancy Lake State Recreation Area—perfect for beginners, families, and casual fishing in Willow, Alaska. No portage, calm waters, campground access. Tippecanoe provides gear + camp store essentials.
At a Glance
Location: South Rolly Lake Campground, Nancy Lake State Recreation Area (Willow, Alaska)
Vibe: Easy access • campground lake • relaxed paddle
Ideal for: Beginners • families • casual fishing • short outings
Typical trip length: Hourly rentals or full day
Getting There
Check in first at the Tippecanoe building inside South Rolly Campground to pick up paddles, life jackets, and keys before heading out. South Rolly Lake is located within Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, about 90 minutes north of Anchorage along the Parks Highway. Turn onto Nancy Lake Parkway at Mile 67.3 of the Parks Highway and follow it approximately 6.5 miles to South Rolly Lake Campground.
Check in first at the Tippecanoe Alaska building inside South Rolly Campground to pick up paddles, life jackets, and keys. Parking and a self-pay station are available at the campground entrance for parking and camping fees (State Parks fees apply).
Your Adventure Options
Day paddle (canoe, kayak, paddleboard or pedal boat) – Easy, flexible, self-guided exploring right from the campground lake.
Fishing adventure – Add a fishing package and fish from the water (Alaska license not included).
Overnight camping – Camp at South Rolly Lake Campground (State Parks rules/fees apply, first-come sites, no potable water).
Fish the Midnight Sun (walk-up only) – Evening pickup and return the next morning (subject to availability)
Hourly rentals (South Rolly only) -
Short outings available for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards—perfect for a quick paddle or trying something new.
Camping: 98 FCFS sites + our firewood bundles
What to Expect on the Water
South Rolly Lake delivers easy fishing—stocked rainbow trout + northern pike, perfect for shore casting or canoe angling. Paddle calm, open water surrounded by forest and wetlands with loons, swans, frequent wildlife. Non-motorized = peaceful, though wind can kick up. Beginner-friendly vibes—your relaxed Willow AK paddling escape.
South Rolly Lake Rainbow Trout & Northern Pike Fishing
South Rolly Lake offers stocked rainbow trout + aggressive northern pike—perfect for easy shore casting or canoe fishing from the campground. Favorite for beginner anglers wanting action!
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 South Rolly Lake Lures
Northern pike + stocked rainbow trout respond well to:
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Spoons (red/white, silver, gold)
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Large soft plastics with flash
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Crankbaits (sharp teeth—use pliers!)
Kids Special: $3 trout jig setup or add kids pole to any canoe rental
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)
Self-Guided Fishing Package for Two
Perfect for couples/partners/Families—includes canoe + fishing gear for 2
$100 total
What's included:
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Canoe reserved for your group
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2 Ugly Stik rods rigged for pike/trout
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Shared tackle + lures (pike + rainbows)
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PFDs, paddles, jaws pliers
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Camp store extras: Kids trout pole with jig ($3), firewood, bug spray
Skill Level & Trail Info
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Recommended experience: Beginner / beginner-friendly
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Portage or hike: None required—road-access lake
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Kids & beginners: Great starter lake with adult supervision and life jackets
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Great for all ages and experience levels — especially families and first-timers.
Gear & What We Provide
We provide:
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Canoe, kayak, paddleboard or pedal boat reserved for your group
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Paddles
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U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets (all sizes)
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Boat locks and keys (when applicable)
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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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Dry bags or protective storage for electronics (optional rentals available)
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Camp store has bug spray/lures/firewood!
Cabins & Camping
Cabins
South Rolly Lake has no public-use cabins. Other Nancy Lake lakes offer State Parks cabins—book separately through ReserveAmerica.
Camping
South Rolly Campground has 98 campsites with cleared tent pads and fire rings. Campsites are first-come, first-served and do not require reservations. No potable water or hookups are available.
A self-pay station is located at the campground entrance for camping and parking fees. Campers must follow all Alaska State Parks rules and pay applicable fees.
Firewood is available for purchase through Tippecanoe + bug spray/lures at camp store.
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.
Is This the Right Lake for You?
Choose this lake if you want:
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The simplest and most accessible paddling option in the recreation area
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Relaxed, non-motorized lake with loons + swans
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Short/flexible outings (hourly rentals, no portage)
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Beginner/family-friendly with camp store essentials
Consider another lake if you prefer:
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3-mile hike-in backcountry adventure
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Northern pike fishing + remote cabins/camping
How to Book
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Reserve a State Parks cabin first if your trip includes an overnight stay.
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Book canoe/kayak/pedal boat with Tippecanoe for your dates
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Complete digital waiver (sent after booking)
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Check in at Tippecanoe Camp Store (inside South Rolly Campground) for gear + firewood/lures/bug spray.
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Launch!
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Use the Map to find lake access points, portages, and routes: View the map