You find yourself in Anchorage and have a sudden urge to fish for king salmon. This is not a problem, because you can go right downtown and cast until you arm gets tired. Ship Creek runs through Anchorage and has become a very productive fishing spot for the yearly run of king salmon. It is the only place in Anchorage you can catch them, so bring, or rent locally, a heavy spinning rod with 20-plus-lb. test and some lures: yarn flies, Pixees, Spinners or Streamers.
Ship Creek
Ship Creek flows through downtown Anchorage and into Cook Inlet. It is a nonglacial stream and hence the water is clear most of the time. An argument could be made that the Ship is the most productive king salmon spot in Alaska. The kings taken from the creek range from 12 to 40 lbs. The creek runs through a somewhat industrial section of the city, but the locals fish it regularly.
Where to Fish the Creek
The fishable section of the creek is from the mouth to a marked cable that is set 100 feet below the dam. This is a half-mile stretch that runs form the Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet to the dam at the Chugach Power Plant. It may seem short, but it means the creek is easy to learn if you plan on fishing it again. Fishing is allowed on both banks of the creek. It can get crowded at Ship's Creek, so mind the etiquette of fishing with company.
When to Fish
The King Salmon season runs from the middle of May through mid-July. The creek is closed from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. King salmon in the Ship Creek are affected by the tides. Fish two hours before high tide. The fish are coming in with the tide, so be there to meet them as they come in from the salt water.
Rules and Regulations
There is a limit for king salmon of one a day. You need to register the fish on your harvest card as soon as you catch it, and then stop fishing. Before you fish, make sure your fishing license is in order and check with the Alaska Fish and Game website to for any current restriction or emergency orders.
Fish for a Cause
The Slam'n Salm'n Derby is an annual fishing contest on Ship Creek to benefit a local soup kitchen. It runs for 10 days and has prizes such as a 16-foot Klamath boat for the winner. Cash prizes are given to winners for the heaviest fish, largest fish in each of several divisions. The Derby is a favorite among Anchorage salmon fishermen, and if you are in town at the height of the king salmon season you are welcome to compete.
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