The majority of the salmon fishing in Anchorage takes place in Ship Creek which flows through Elmendorf Air Force Base and then on through downtown Anchorage and into Cook Inlet. Guided fishing services are available as are wilderness lodges close to salmon-rich rivers. Anchorage is also home to numerous festivals, sled dog races and other activities such as the Ship Creek Salmon Fishing Derby held annually in June.
Geography
Located 132 feet above sea level in a wide valley of south-central Alaska, Anchorage is bordered on the west, north, and south by the Knik and Turnagain arms of Cook Inlet, named after Captain James Cook who sailed the area in 1778. To the east are the Chugach Mountains which have a general elevation of 4,000 to 5,000 feet with peaks from 8,000 to 10,000 feet. Average annual snowfall is 70 inches which occurs from October to mid-April.
Considerations
Some of Anchorage's top fishing sites only can be accessed by bush plane while you can drive to other locales. Jetboat via guide service is another option. Creeks and rivers that can be accessed only by bush plane include Alexander Creek and the Chakachatna, Chuitna, Kustatan, McArther and Yentna rivers. Rivers and creeks that offer jetboats and guide service include Clear and Lake creeks and Deshka River. You can drive to such fishing sites as Bird and Willow creeks and Twentymile River.
Types
King salmon is especially plentiful in the Deshka River. Rainbow salmon fishing is available at Anchorage's "stocked" Delong, Jewel and Campbell Point lakes. Bird Creek boasts silver salmon in late July to early August and pink salmon fishing from July to mid-August. King salmon is widely available in the Kenai River, and Ship Creek is full of king and silver salmon every summer.
Lodging
Fireweed Lodge at Lake Creek is located at the lake's mouth and offers two to six person cabins with cooking utensils, gas grills, shower, freezer, and a two-person boat with a 25 horsepower motor and gasoline. There is a separate bathhouse with showers, toilets, washers and dryers. The Comfort Inn and Days Inn also have locations in downtown Anchorage.
Features
Fishing guides are available for those who are less experienced in fishing the salmon-rich waters of Anchorage. Fishtale River Guides provide guided salmon fishing charters and winter ice fishing trips near Anchorage. King of the River provides guided services of the Kanai River and specializes in king and silver salmon fishing. I Fish Alaska is another guide service that also offers rainbow trout charters.
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