Alaska Fishing Reports: Anchorage Area

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 16-23



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Emergency Order 2-RT-2-06-06 reduces the bag/possession limit for rainbow trout in Anchorage Area stocked waters (stocked lakes and streams) from 5 fish per day to 2 fish per day, only one of these fish may be 20 inches or greater in length.
Salmon

More kings are showing at Ship Creek, but still no confirmed catches yet. Water levels are starting to creep up and water temperatures are also just now starting to rise. Expect slow fishing this week.
Ship Creek is the only stream in the Anchorage area open to salmon fishing at this time. All other waters in the Anchorage Management Area are currently closed to king salmon fishing.
Trout, Dolly Varden

Ship Creek rainbow trout fishing in the catch & release area is fair to good. Stream levels are rising very slowly, as is water temperature. The creek is just now starting to see some of the effects of snow melting in the mountains.
Both Campbell and Chester creeks will be stocked by this weekend. Rainbow fishing at these creeks will be good on the weekend. Remember the reduced bag limit applies to these two streams, too.
On Campbell Creek you may keep rainbow trout only if you are downstream of the forks located by Piper Street.
If you are fishing anywhere in the Campbell Tract be aware that bears are now out of hibernation. Use caution and make noise to avoid bear conflicts. See the "Safety in Bear Country" link below for more information.
Northern Pike

Northern pike are now spawning in shallow grassy areas. Big spawning pike can be found in waters only ankle deep. This makes them vulnerable to both spears and bow and arrow (the arrow must be attached to the bow), both legal methods in Anchorage.
Fish in shallow nearshore waters right now. Sight fishing works well, but pike spook easily, so move slowly. The evening hours are best for this type of fishing.
There is no bag limit on pike. Try Cheney, Sand, and Lower Fire lakes.
Lake Fishing

The stocking truck was busy last week. Jewel, Campbell Point, Otis, Delong and Sand lakes have all been stocked. Remember that reduced bag limits apply to all stocked lakes and streams.
To find out if your favorite lake has been stocked go to the helpful Internet links listed below and look for lake stocking. This website is updated each week (usually by Thursday) with type and size of fish stocked.
Personal Use

Hooligan dipnetting has recently picked up at the end of Turnagain Arm / Twentymile River. Some experienced hooligan dippers are filling 5-gallon buckets in only 30 minutes.
Remember, dipnetting for hooligan is a "personal use" fishery – open only to those holding an Alaskan resident fishing license.

Thanks to ADF&G for that report
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=1

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/18
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  20 Mile River
SPECIES:  Hooligan

REPORT: Dipped at 20mile yesterday, and it was smoking. Got there couple hours before high tide as it was great!! 20 fish drifts. As soon as the river turned and started flowing upstream the smelt just disappeared. We waited through the high tide, and kept waiting until the river turned again and started flowing downstream again. The smelt came back to the bank as well. We ended up filling a 5 gallon bucket apiece in about total 5 hours. I cooked 'em in spiced flour and they were actually very good. Mainly got 'em to use as burbot bait in the winter.

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/18
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Delong Lake
SPECIES:  Bows

REPORT: Went 6pm caught 4 between 6pm and 7pm. 12 inches or better. They are not hitting any spinners. Dry flies only. All the fish are huggin' the bank just left of the dock in the swampy area.

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/16
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Sand Lake
SPECIES:  Pike/Trout

REPORT: Went fishing in the canals and was playing around with a few rainbows when I heard a splash and a brown log sink out of sight near the bank. I put on a daredevil and after about 10 casts nailed a big 6 lb pike. [AOJ: Nice fish.]

First pike I have seen caught out of that lake. I think the spawn is on!!

I am going to try some topwater this weekend. (oh yeah there was a lot of rainbows)

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/17
REGION:  anchorage
WATER:  Ship Creek
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: Went to Ship Creek 5:23pm low tide ....nothing in the creek yet...few rainbows up river above the dam.

AOJ report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/19
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Lower Fire Lake
SPECIES:  Bows/Pike

REPORT: Went to Lower Fire Lake with the boy and had quite some fun. Caught 2 12" bows in the first hour and as we pulled them to shore the pike were chasing them. Unbelivable. I'm pretty sure these are the stocked ones from about a couple days ago. Good fun for the kids.

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/20
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Ship Creek
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: Went down to Ship Creek this morning to see if any kings have started trickling in. It was low tide two lonely guys were fishin asked if they seen any rolls and notta. Strolled to the bridge nothing seen, water was a bit murky, wonder if they're sitting at the mouth waiting for hi tide to come in. May go back down tonight and check out the hi tide around the ramp access. Hopefully they come in anyday now.

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 23-30, 2006 Anchorage




Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Emergency Order number 2-RT-2-06-06 has been issued and reduces the bag/possession limit for rainbow trout in Anchorage Area stocked waters (stocked lakes and streams) from 5 fish per day to 2 fish per day, only one of these fish may be 20 inches or greater in length.
Fresh waters

Salmon

More kings are showing at Ship Creek. We have had report of several kings being caught, but fishing is still slow and the crowds remain sparse – only two-dozen anglers were fishing the flood tide Monday afternoon. The water levels continue to be low for this time of year, but are creeping up.
Eagle River will be open this weekend, May 27 – May 29, to fishing for king salmon. The open area is from the Bailey Bridge on Fort Richardson upstream to ADF&G markers in the Chugach State Park Eagle River Campground. Fish this stream early in the morning, before the daily snow melt clouds up the water. Expect slow king salmon fishing this weekend in Eagle River.
Trout, Dolly Varden

Ship Creek rainbow trout fishing in the catch & release area will be fair. Stream levels and water temperatures continue to rise very slowly. The creek is just now starting to see some of the effects of snow melting in the mountains.
Both Campbell and Chester creeks were stocked last week, so rainbow fishing at these creeks should be good this week. These streams remain low and clear so far this spring. Remember, the reduced bag limit applies to these two streams, too. On Campbell Creek you may keep rainbow trout only if you are downstream of the forks located by Piper Street.
If you are fishing anywhere in the Campbell Tract be aware that bears are now out of hibernation. Use caution and make noise to avoid bear conflicts. See the "Safety in Bear Country" link below for more information.
Northern Pike

Fish in shallow nearshore waters right now. Sight fishing works well, but they spook easily, so move slowly. The evening hours are best for this type of fishing.
There is no bag limit on pike. Try Cheney, Sand, and Lower Fire lakes.
Lake Fishing

The stocking truck was busy last week. Try Beach Lake, Delong Lake, Mirror Lake, and Sand Lake. Remember that reduced bag limits apply to all stocked lakes and streams.
To find out if your favorite lake has been stocked go to the helpful Internet links listed below and look for lake stocking. This website is updated each week (usually by Thursday) with type and size of fish stocked.
Personal Use

Hooligan has really picked up at the end of Turnagain Arm. More hooligan are present on the flood tide, but they will also be more spread out, and less bank-oriented.
We have had reports of people parking in the highway. This is illegal as well as highly dangerous. Please park well off the highway, and pick up your trash. Do not use the beach as your bathroom. Respect all private property as if it were your own.
Remember, dipnetting for hooligan is a personal use fishery – open only to those holding an Alaskan resident fishing license.

Thanks to ADF&G for that report
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=1

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/26
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Ship Creek
SPECIES:  King Salmon

REPORT: Ship Creek is still murky but a bit better than it was Thursday. I decided to give it a try so I soaked roe just below the restaurant. I saw one lady catch a nice 37" king. Based on my observations and my weight estimating chart the fish would have been somewhere close to 24 lbs. Not bad for a Ship Creek king. I saw another fellow catch a nice king above the restaurant, and there was a hook-up a bit below the walk bridge. That was it from where I could see things. I headed down stream after the tide went down and a ripper showed up. Everyone looked so bored I called it a day rather than continue fishing.

The lady caught her king flipping, using a proper flip - not ripping. The other hook-ups were on roe. I didn't see any one catch a king with spinners.

There are some kings in there but not many and the water conditions are pretty bad still. Things should get better every day though.

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/26
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Eklutna Tailrace
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: Went out this morning arround 6:00. A few people fishing. A buddy of mine caught an arctic grayling, none of us had ever seen one before. Not exactly what we were expecting. Not too long after that, a nice king rolled right in front of us. Picked up our spirits in a hurry. Didn't catch one but at least we know they're in there. Here fishy, fishy, fishy.

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/29
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Eklutna Tailrace
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: Beat the water for 4 hrs today. Did not see one fish caught. Talked to Fish and Game when I was checked for lic. No one caught any thing the day before either. Good Luck!!

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/29
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Ship Creek
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: Went out this morning at 9 am. Water was very cloudy lots of debris floating. Me and a buddy launched the boat and fished about 50 yards into the mouth. Lots of fish on the finder saw about 6 roll all around. At 1130 tide was getting low, right before we headed back got a little nibble but nothing aggresive enough to take the bait. Used a bobber and roe for the 2.5 hours we were out there and notta but the fish are in, probably gonna try again tonight.

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 30-June6, 2006 




Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Emergency Order number 2-RT-2-06-06 has been issued and reduces the bag/possession limit for rainbow trout in Anchorage Area stocked waters (stocked lakes and streams) from 5 fish per day to 2 fish per day, only one of these fish may be 20 inches or greater in length.
The last day to dip net for hooligan in salt waters is May 31. On June 1, all dip netters must be fishing in fresh waters. The popular dip netting area along the Seward Highway near Milepost 95 is salt water, and will close May 31. The waters of the Twentymile River near the highway and railroad bridges are fresh waters, and will not close until June 15.
Salmon

King salmon fishing at Ship Creek is slow right now. The water is high and muddy due to the warm weather and snowmelt run-off. Salmon runs area-wide appear to be running a week or two later than most recent years.
The Ship Creek King Salmon Derby starts Friday, June 2, and runs through Sunday, June 11. The derby is sponsored by GCI and the Alaska Railroad, and proceeds of this derby support the Downtown Soup Kitchen, an organization that provides food for the homeless.
Eagle River will be open again this weekend, June 3 – June 5, to fishing for king salmon. The open area is from the Bailey Bridge on Fort Richardson upstream to ADF&G markers in the Chugach State Park Eagle River Campground. Fish this stream early in the morning, before the daily snow melt clouds up the water. Expect slow king salmon fishing this weekend in Eagle River.
Trout, Dolly Varden

Ship Creek is running high and muddy so expect poor rainbow and Dolly fishing here until the creek starts to clear up.
Both Campbell and Chester creeks are running a bit high, but are still clear, so rainbow fishing at these creeks should be good this week. Remember, the reduced bag limit applies to these two streams, too. On Campbell Creek you may keep rainbow trout only if you are downstream of the forks located by Piper Street.
If you are fishing anywhere in the Campbell Tract be aware that bears are now out of hibernation. Use caution and make noise to avoid bear conflicts. See the "Safety in Bear Country" link below for more information.
Northern Pike

Pike are done spawning, and are now actively feeding. Try suspending a herring under a bobber in nearshore waters about 4 feet deep. Be patient and you will be rewarded. Fish in the late evening or very early morning to improve your chances.
There is no bag limit on pike. Try Cheney, Sand, and Lower Fire lakes.
Lake Fishing

The stocking truck was again busy last week. Alder Pond and Tangle Pond in Portage were both stocked last week, along with Taku-Campbell Lake. Remember that reduced bag limits apply to all stocked lakes and streams.
To find out if your favorite lake has been stocked go to the helpful Internet links listed below and look for lake stocking. This website is updated each week (usually by Thursday) with type and size of fish stocked.
Personal Use

After May 31, all hooligan dipnetting is closed in salt waters. Hooligan dippers may only dipnet in fresh waters after that date. If you are dipping near the railroad or highway bridges over the Twentymile River, you will be in legal waters.
We have had reports of people parking in the highway. This is illegal as well as highly dangerous. Please park well off the highway, and pick up your trash. Do not use the beach as your bathroom. Respect all private property as if it were your own.
Remember, dipnetting for hooligan is a personal use fishery – open only to those holding an Alaskan resident fishing license.

Thanks to ADF&G for that report
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=1

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  6/2
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Ship Creek
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: Went down to the river and tried to flex some fishing muscle and show these city boys how to catch fish but I guess I just suck at fishing or the kings aren't running I'll settle for the first. I'll just stick to bear hunting get on hunt talk and we'll chat about that if anyone wants any pointers.

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  6/1
REGION:  Matsu Valley
WATER:  Eklutna Tailrace
SPECIES:  Kings, of course

REPORT: Went down to the Tailrace last night about 5:30pm. Fished till 11pm, the water is very low (about 2.5 feet down) and very slow. NO FISH!!!! Could be another week yet before they arrive. Might be a good weekend for yardwork cuz the salmon fishing in suckin right now......fishon!!!!

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  6/4
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Ship Creek
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: Saw a jack on in the afternoon, then boated with a friend into the river that night at around 10pm with the incoming tide. No bites, but saw three or four rollers while out that the evening. Water still murky, but not as bad as last week.

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for June 06-13, 2006  



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Emergency Order number 2-RT-2-06-06 has been issued and reduces the bag/possession limit for rainbow trout in Anchorage Area stocked waters (stocked lakes and streams) from 5 fish per day to 2 fish per day, only one of these fish may be 20 inches or greater in length.
The waters of the Twentymile River near the highway and railroad bridges are fresh waters, and will remain open to hooligan dip netting until June 15. All saltwater areas are now closed to dip netting for hooligan.
Salmon

King salmon fishing at Ship Creek continues to be slow right now. The stream level is starting to drop, and water clarity is improving. However, the water temperature is very low for this time of year and this is the likely cause of the delayed run. Expect water temperatures to rise and this fishery to improve over the course of this week
The Ship Creek King Salmon Derby continues through Sunday June 11. There are some great prizes to win. Check out the prizes and buy your derby ticket at derby headquarters across the street from the Ulu Factory.
Eagle River will be open again this weekend, June 10 – June 12, to fishing for king salmon. The open area is from the Bailey Bridge on Fort Richardson upstream to ADF&G markers in the Chugach State Park Eagle River Campground. Expect slow king salmon fishing this weekend in Eagle River.
Trout, Dolly Varden

Ship Creek continues to run high, but is starting to clear. Expect rainbow and Dolly fishing to start picking up.
Both Campbell and Chester creeks are running a bit high and are also starting to clear up. Rainbow fishing at these creeks should be fair this week. Remember, the reduced bag limit applies to these two streams, too. On Campbell Creek you may keep rainbow trout only if you are downstream of the forks located by Piper Street.
If you are fishing anywhere in the Campbell Tract be aware that bears are now out of hibernation. Use caution and make noise to avoid bear conflicts. See the "Safety in Bear Country" link below for more information.
Northern Pike

Pike are done spawning, and are now actively feeding. Try suspending a herring under a bobber in nearshore waters about 4 feet deep. Be patient and you will be rewarded. Fish in the late evening or very early morning to improve your chances.
There is no bag limit on pike. Try Cheney, Sand, and Lower Fire lakes.
Lake Fishing

Sand Lake and Campbell Point Lake have both been recently stocked with Arctic char, try these two lakes this week. Remember that reduced bag limits apply to all stocked lakes and streams.
Saturday June 10 is the U. S. Forest Service Kid's Fishing Day at Willow Pond in Portage Valley. This is a great family oriented event and there will be many activities, including fishing.
To find out if your favorite lake has been stocked go to the helpful Internet links listed below and look for lake stocking. This website is updated each week (usually by Thursday) with type and size of fish stocked.
Personal Use

After May 31, all hooligan dip netting is closed in salt waters. Hooligan dippers may only dip net in fresh waters after that date. If you are dipping near the railroad or highway bridges over the Twentymile River, you will be in legal waters.
Remember, dip netting for hooligan is a personal use fishery – open only to those holding an Alaskan resident fishing license.

Thanks to ADF&G for that report
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=1

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  6/9
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Ship Creek
SPECIES:  KINGS!

REPORT: Where are they? They are really starting to come in now finally. Saw quite a few more caught than last weekend down there, but still very slow for this time of year. However finally getting some friggin action. They will proboably hit nice and thick right before closure, which will make for a good return I guess but this year's infamous king fishing has been weird. My buddy caught a really nice one, big big and CHROME, but my other buddy is still working on his netting skills so we lost that fish - was pretty funny.

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  6/8
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Ship Creek
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: Went at 1830 and left at 2200. First I was using a pixee with a few eggs on it - nothing (just lost some eggs) then I tried bobbing my herring/shrimp/roe specialty - nothing (just lost my herring on the first cast). Then I used a vibrax near the mouth and got my shoe stuck but I got it out. The weather was good, water was still dirty near the mouth but pretty clear closer to the dam. I saw nine fish that had been caught, they were being bled or being taken to the catcher's car. How about a round of applause for the people who caught a fish - good job. I think I found out a good spot. Did see some bows and dollies. So it seems to be geting better!!!

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[Lipripper]

AOJ thanks for the report and working on his netting skills I like that one 

[silversalmon]

They are way behind this year, patience for Kings this year is a must 

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for June 13-20, 2006  


Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Emergency Order number 2-RT-2-06-06 has been issued and reduces the bag/possession limit for rainbow trout in Anchorage Area stocked waters (stocked lakes and streams) from 5 fish per day to 2 fish per day, only one of these fish may be 20 inches or greater in length.
The personal use dipnet fishery for hooligan closes June 15.
Salmon

The kings have finally arrived! The morning bite was pretty good at Ship Creek Monday morning and it should continue to be good. The Northern Cook Inlet king salmon run is roughly 8 – 10 days late this year, but they have arrived throughout the northern Inlet.
Recent rains have increased stormwater discharge and muddied up area creeks; this will slow down the catch. Under these conditions most fish are caught on bait, which is legal at Ship Creek.
This weekend, June 17 – 19, is the last weekend Eagle River will be open to king salmon fishing for the year. The open area is from the Bailey Bridge on Fort Richardson upstream to ADF&G markers in the Chugach State Park Eagle River Campground. Expect slow king salmon fishing this weekend in Eagle River.
No other streams in the Anchorage Area are currently open to fishing for king salmon.
Campbell Creek is currently closed to fishing for all salmon.
Trout, Dolly Varden

Ship Creek is running high and muddy. Expect slow rainbow and Dolly fishing. Only one single-hook, artificial lure is allowed above the KAPP dam.
Campbell and Chester creeks are also running high and muddy. Rainbow fishing at these creeks should be slow this week. Remember, the reduced bag limit applies to these two streams, too. On Campbell Creek you may keep rainbow trout only if you are downstream of the forks located by Piper Street.
The farther up the drainage you fish the cleaner the water is running.
If you are fishing anywhere in the Campbell Tract be aware now that bears are out of hibernation. Use caution and make noise to avoid bear conflicts. See the "Safety in Bear Country" link below for more information.
Northern Pike

There is no bag limit on pike. Try Cheney, Sand, and Lower Fire lakes.
Try weedless surface lures this time of year.
Lake Fishing

Lake fishing for trout and char may be your best option right now with the streams running high and muddy. Remember that reduced bag limits apply to all stocked lakes and streams.
To find out if your favorite lake has been stocked go to the helpful Internet links listed below and look for lake stocking. This website is updated each week (usually by Thursday) with type and size of fish stocked
Personal Use

Dip netting for hooligan closes June 15.

Thanks to ADF&G for that report
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=1

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  6/14
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Ship Creek
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: Went down to the Ship last night right under the A-street bridge and had a nice one on in about 20 min. with a #6 pink vibrax and snapped my line. I replaced it with a # 3 pink vibrax and pulled a 30 # male in 10 min. later. Lots of people and lots of fish.

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  6/14
REGION:  Anchorage
WATER:  Ship Creek
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: Fished today and got a dime bright hen using herring about an hour after high tide (20 lbs). Fish seemed to be hitting on Vibrax too. I saw about 15 fish caught in an hour and a half time frame. This run is really starting to gain some momentum. Good luck to all and be safe.

Fish and let fish!!! Bigcee12

Better late than never 

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[Lipripper]

AOJ thanks for makeing me want to    good report