King and sockeye salmon fishing is among the most popular activities in Anchorage, Alaska and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, while providing yourself with a delicious meal. In order to have a successful experience, however, it is important to be prepared. You'll need to know the restrictions on salmon, the best locations and have the appropriate license.
Location
Most king and sockeye salmon fishing in Anchorage is done from Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage. You can fish from the mouth of Ship Creek upstream to a point 100 feet downstream of the Chugach power plant. This point will be marked off with cables. You may also try Bird Creek, which is along the Seward Highway going south from Anchorage; you can catch sockeye salmon but fishing for king salmon is not allowed there.
King Salmon
The king salmon, also known as the chinook salmon, is Alaska's state fish and the largest of all Pacific salmon. Most king salmon weigh more than 30 pounds, with the largest king salmon on record weighing upwards of 100 pounds. These salmon are the most popular among sport fishermen in Alaska and are extensively fished in the Anchorage area, with 60 percent of each year's harvest caught there.
Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye salmon are common throughout Alaska and are also popular among fishermen. Most sockeye salmon weigh between four and eight pounds, though salmon weighing in excess of 15 pounds have been reported. Sockeye salmon can be caught in both fresh- and saltwater environments and can be fished year-round in the Anchorage area.
Licensing Requirements
You'll need a sport fishing license for king and sockeye salmon fishing. You can apply online at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website (see Resources) or purchase a license in most sporting goods stores in Anchorage. Nonresident licenses are offered that are good for one day, three, seven or 14 days. In addition, if you're going after king salmon, a king salmon stamp is required. These are available in the same day-increments as the licenses. If you plan an extended fishing trip--for a month or more--it would be cheaper to purchase an annual nonresident fishing license.
Restrictions
The open season for king salmon runs from January 1 through July 13, while sockeye are available for catching year-round. You are allowed one king salmon a day if it is 20 inches or more long; you may not then fish for any other species that same day. For sockeye 16 inches and longer, you may have three a day. For any combination of king salmon under 20 inches and sockeye under 16 inches, you are allowed 10 a day.
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