Area Sport Fishing Reports
Anchorage

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 14, 2023

Freshwater Fishing

Hooligan

• Dipnetting for hooligan (smelt) will close on June 15 in freshwaters.
• 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

Campbell and Chester creeks opened on June 15 to fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Water levels on Campbell Creek are slightly high due to snowmelt. Casting spinners or fishing small bait such as single salmon eggs or small clumps of roe will be the most effective method until the water recedes.

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. King salmon fishing at Ship Creek has been good with many anglers submitting king salmon in the derby each day. Anglers are having success on bait such as salmon roe or mackerel behind a spin-n-glow during the rising or falling tide. During slack high tide, try casting large spinners or plugs when the creek is flooded with tidewater.
• The Youth-Only Fishery for king salmon at Ship Creek in Anchorage will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. During this time, Ship Creek from the upstream side of the C St. Bridge to the downstream side of the Bridge Restaurant is reserved for anglers who are 15 years of age and younger to target King Salmon.
• Youth anglers do not need a sport fishing license or king salmon stamp but do need a Harvest Record Card. Any king salmon harvested must be recorded immediately on the Harvest Record Card.
• ADF&G staff will be onsite in the Ship Creek Youth-Only fishing area for portions of Saturday to help answer questions and catch king salmon.
• While adults can assist youth anglers in landing a fish, this section of Ship Creek is closed to all fishing, including catch-and-release, for anglers 16 years of age and older during this time. See page 49 for the 2023 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for more info.
• Eagle River drainage: From Bailey Bridge on Fort Richardson upstream to ADF&G markers in the Alaska State Parks Eagle River Campground: king salmon fishing is open ONLY on the following remaining dates: June 17 – 19. See the Regulation Summary for more details.
• No other flowing waters in the Anchorage Bowl are open to salmon fishing.
• Bird Creek is currently closed to fishing.

Local Lakes

• All Anchorage management area lakes have been stocked with catchable rainbow trout. Catch rates have been great for these aggressive trout all over Anchorage.Check out the stocking webpage to find out when your favorite lake was last stocked.
• Try slowly stripping a wet fly to entice a bite from a fish cruising the lake’s edge in search of food or a dry fly on a warm, calm evening. Small bait or jigs under a bobber are always good options when fish are schooled-up. Are you looking for information on Anchorage-stocked lakes? Check out this publication with bathymetric maps and how to access fishing locations.
• Campbell Point Lake has produced good fishing for both rainbow trout and Arctic char. Anglers reported catching both species from canoes or float tubes. During the summer months, fish will often school up at the south side of the lake.
• 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 was stocked with nearly 1,300 catchable rainbow trout in late May.
• 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.