Area Sport Fishing Reports
Anchorage

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 01, 2023

Freshwater Fishing

Hooligan

• Dipnetting for hooligan (smelt) opened April 1 and will remain open until June 15 in freshwaters. There is no bag or possession limit.
• This is a personal use fishery and only Alaska residents can participate. No permit is required, but you do need a valid 2023 Alaska resident fishing license or ADF&G Permanent fishing license ID card with you.
• The hooligan run at the mouth of the 20-mile River has slowed down significantly. Some anglers are still catching hooligan quite aways above the highway bridge, but most are reporting low catch rates near the mouth.
• For your safety, and for the safety of others, please park well off the highway. Do not trespass on the railroad tracks or the railroad right-of-way. Please be respectful and take all your trash with you. Please obey all signs and do not block the boat launch.
• For additional information on dipnetting for hooligan see page 16 in the 2023 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.

Rainbow Trout/Dolly Varden/Arctic Char

• Spawning closures are in place for Campbell and Chester creeks. Both creeks closed to all sport fishing on April 15 and will remain closed through June 14 to protect spawning rainbow trout.

Salmon

• Ship Creek is open to king salmon fishing. As a reminder, fishing is allowed on the open section of Ship Creek from 6AM to 11PM. Several king salmon were caught over the holiday weekend including several fish that were over 15 pounds. King salmon are entering the creek on each tide, but fishing will vary day-to-day since this early in the run. King salmon fishing at Ship Creek is fair but should continue to improve. Anglers are having success on bait such as salmon roe under a slip-bobber during the rising or falling tide. During slack high tide, try casting large spinners when the creek is flooded with tidewater.
• No other flowing waters in the Anchorage Bowl are open to salmon fishing.
• Bird Creek is currently closed to fishing.

Saltwater Fishing

Hooligan

• Hooligan
  • Dipnetting for hooligan in saltwaters closed on June 1.

Local Lakes

• Nearly every stocked lake in the Anchorage management area has been freshly replenished with catchable rainbow trout this spring. Catch rates have been great for these aggressive trout all over Anchorage. Local favorites such as Cheney, Taku-Campbell, and Delong Lakes have been fishing particularly well. Check out the stocking webpage to find out when your favorite lake was last stocked.
• The Anchorage municipality gate at Campbell Point Lake has been opened, and the road to the lake is accessible. Fishing at Campbell Point Lake can be fantastic for those willing to hike around the lake or for those fishing from a canoe or float tube.
• Try slowly stripping a wet fly to entice a bite from a fish cruising the lake’s edge in search of food. Small bait under a bobber or casting a small spinner are always good options.
• Are you looking for information on Anchorage-stocked lakes? Check out this publication with bathymetric maps and how to access fishing locations.
• Fishing on the military base? Just a reminder, you need to register with iSportsman and check with base personnel prior to fishing on JBER.

Northern Pike

• Northern pike are not native to Anchorage area lakes. Lower Fire Lake was treated for pike in the fall of 2022, and all pike were eradicated. Lower Fire Lake will be stocked with catchable rainbow trout this week.
• If you catch a pike in any Anchorage area lake, do not release it and immediately report it here.

Emergency Orders

Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

• There are currently no emergency orders for the Anchorage management area.

Don’t forget to purchase your 2023 sport fishing license and king stamp! You can purchase your 2023 sport fishing license and king stamp through the ADF&G online store and print it off from the comfort of your own home. Also, make sure to review emergency orders, advisory announcements, and the 2023 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing in before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the Anchorage Area Office at (907) 267-2218.