Area Sport Fishing Reports
Anchorage

Archived Sport Fishing Report

May 31, 2018

General Area Description: All waters draining into the east side of Knik arm south of, and including, the Eklutna River drainage, and all waters draining into the north and west sides of Turnagain Arm, and all waters draining into the south side of Turnagain Arm east of, and including, Ingram Creek.

Regulation Reminders and Emergency Orders

• Anglers are reminded to review Emergency Orders and News Releases and the 2018 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the Anchorage Area before heading out on their next fishing trip.
• Please note, there is an error on Page 46 of the 2018 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulation Summary Booklet for the Eagle River drainage regarding the dates open to king salmon fishing. The booklet should read:
  • From Bailey Bridge on Fort Richardson upstream to ADF&G markers in the Alaska State Parks’ Eagle River Campground:
    • Open to fishing for king salmon during the following 3-day periods in 2018: May 26–28, June 2–4, June 9–11, and June 16–18.

Regulation Reminders

• Ship Creek is currently open to salmon fishing from the mouth to a cable 100 feet below the Chugach Power Plant Dam. The remainder of the creek up to 300 feet above the Elmendorf Power Plant Dam, near the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery, is CLOSED YEAR ROUND to ALL fishing.
• Both the Campbell and Chester Creek drainages are closed to all sport fishing from April 15 – June 14.
  • NO SALMON FISHING IS EVER ALLOWED ON CHESTER CREEK.
• The entire Bird Creek drainage is closed to all sport fishing from January 1 – July 13.
  • NO KING SALMON FISHING IS ALLOWED ON BIRD CREEK.
• Symphony Lake is closed to all sport fishing from May 1 – June 30.

Freshwater Fishing

Salmon

• King salmon are being caught at Ship Creek but fishing is slow. It is still early in the season. Both bait and lures are being used to catch fish. Soaking roe with a spin-n-glo, drifting roe under a bobber, and casting spinners on the incoming and outgoing tides are effective in this fishery.
• Remember that Ship Creek is open to sport fishing from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from the mouth up to the cable crossing roughly 100 feet below the Chugach Power Plant dam.
• All other waters in the Anchorage Management Area are currently closed to king salmon fishing.
• If you are successful and would like to report a catch please contact the Sport Fish Information Center at (907) 267-2218.

Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling

• All of Campbell and Chester Creek are currently closed to fishing to protect spawning rainbow trout. The closure on Chester Creek includes East and West Chester Lagoon and APU/University Lake.
• Lake Fishing
• Nearly all lakes in the Anchorage Management area, including JBER lakes, have been stocked with rainbow trout over the last few weeks.
• Anglers have been having a great time catching the recently stocked rainbow trout. Taku/Campbell is a great place to take the kids fishing!
• Campbell Point Lake was the most recently stocked lake. Rainbow trout were stocked last week but there are also some Arctic char that were stocked back in October still hanging around.
• Sand Lake was stocked this month with some nice Arctic char.
• If the sun continues to shine this weekend try fishing near covered, shaded areas during the day time. To attract stocked rainbows, try casting small lures or wet flies. Bait under a bobber is also a good option. In the evening, watch for fish rising, and try fishing dry and surface flies.
• For more information about when, where, and how many fish have been stocked anglers can visit the ADF&G Hatcheries and Stocking webpage for more information regarding when and where fish are stocked.

Fishing Tip: To improve your success in local stocked lakes review the lake bathymetric (bottom depth profile) map online. These maps can reveal structure and other locations where fish may likely be. Often a little walk or getting away from the pack will provide rewards, just be mindful of private property boundaries.

Northern Pike

• There are very few opportunities for Northern Pike in Anchorage as they are not native to the region. ADF&G has taken steps to keep pike out of Anchorage area lakes. Lower Fire Lake is the closest place to find Northern pike in the Anchorage Area. If you catch a Northern Pike in the Anchorage area, please contact the ADF&G Sport Fish Division immediately at (907) 267-2218. Anglers are not allowed to release live pike back into the water.

Personal Use

Hooligan

• Salt water fishing for hooligan closes on May 31; however, the fresh waters remain open through June 15. There is no bag or possession limit for personal use smelt. Hooligan may be taken by dip net.
• This is a personal-use fishery and only Alaska residents can participate. No permit is required, but you do need a valid 2018 Alaska resident sport fishing license or an ADF&G Permanent fishing license ID card with you.
• Anglers can call the ADF&G dedicated hooligan hotline at (907) 267-2515 for updates.

20-Mile River

• Hooligan catches in the 20-mile River have slowed.
• For your safety, and for the safety of others, please follow the posted speed limits, slow down when pedestrians are present, and park well of the highway and not next to the guardrail. Do not trespass on the railroad tracks or the railroad right-of-way. Please be respectful and take all your trash with you, don’t throw it on the ground. Please obey all signs and do not block the boat launch.
• For additional information on dipnetting for hooligan see the 2018 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations summary booklet.
• Please contact the Sport Fish Information office at (907) 267-2218 if you have a fishing report you are willing to share or any questions about this fishery.