Surprise-you don't even have to leave Anchorage to land a famous Alaska salmon or trout. Expand your do-it-yourself options with a quick daytrip out of town in either direction. Your chances aren't as good as when hiring a guide and boat, but it's cheap and convenient.
Fish run in the wild creeks and well-stocked lakes, and it takes little gear to get up and running. Below we've listed our favorite local spots for gearing up and fishing.
Need Gear or a Guide?
At The Bait Shack you can rent a gear package and go angling on Ship Creek in Downtown Anchorage. Have more time? Their guides can bring you to areas just outside of Anchorage, or you can rent gear and go on your own to recommended spots throughout the state. They also offer ice fishing in winter! 6th Avenue Outfitters is another spot to pick up fishing gear or rent equipment.
Anchorage also makes a great base camp for fly-out fishing expeditions. Board a seaplane and fish streams, lakes, and rivers away from the crowds.
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Fishing Spots
1
Alaska’s most productive king salmon sportfishery is located right in downtown Anchorage! Fish for salmon at Ship Creek even if you have only two hours.
2
This fish-filled creek rushes out from Far North Bicentennial Park and through the center of town. Cast for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, or silver salmon-all within walking distance of your car. Throw on a pair of hip-waders and head up the creek or angle from the shoreline trail. Check with ADF&G for current regulations and where fishing is legal.
3
This unique fishery, about 25 miles north of Anchorage, is comprised of a small, artificial eddy of water that comes down from a power plant and connects to the main stem, Knik River. The glacial-fed water looks murky and blue-gray, and there’s very little current. While you won’t find much solitude here, you can usually find a spot to set up a lawn chair for some lazy fishing. There’s abundant parking, too, as well as restrooms.
4
This is one spot you don’t want to miss. July through September you’ll witness a spectacular run of Silver Salmon. Fishermen from all over the world come into Alaska to cast a line here.