Downtown Anchorage’s Ship Creek offers great king salmon fishing and the ultimate in angling convenience. And after the king season ends, fish for silvers! Salmon Derbies are held each June and August. Around the city, numerous lakes are stocked with Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, landlocked salmon, Arctic Char and Arctic Grayling. Canoe and paddleboat rentals are available from various vendors in town.
Short Drives
- Bird Creek: An excellent silver and good pink salmon fishery an hours drive south of downtown.
- Mat-Su Valley Lakes: Just 40 minutes north find a whole system of quiet and productive lakes for trout fishing, Arctic Char, and landlocked salmon. Of note, the Deshka and Susitna rivers have strong runs of King and Coho Salmon respectively.
Fly-in Trips
Air taxi (float plane) rates average about $50 per hour per person for a party of four persons. Most air taxi operators offer fly-in services not only during the traditional fishing season but during the winter as well, for excellent ice fishing.
- Susitna River Drainage: This area is known worldwide for its tackle-busting king salmon. Anglers often return with fish weighing in excess of 65 pounds/30kg! Well known streams include Lake Creek, Talachulitna River, Talkeetna River, Deshka River or Alexander Creek.
- Bristol Bay Drainage: Further west, anglers will discover the trophy waters of numerous streams in the Lake Clark, Lake Iliamna, and King Salmon region. Fly-in float trips to various locations are also available. Saltwater fishing options include quick flights to Seward or r or a longer flight to Kodiak Island or Dutch Harbor.
Get your Fishing License Online! Cost: $10 for one day, $20 for three days, $50 for 14 days and $100 for one year. For the most current information, contact (907) 267-2100.
Weekly Fishing Reports
Fishing reports are available May through September. The weekly fishing reports are provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for all regions.
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