Fishing
Nearly 30 local lakes and streams are stocked with catchable game fish. You must have a valid Alaska sportfishing license to fish in the state. Fishing licenses may be purchased at any Fred Meyer or Carr's/Safeway grocery or local sporting goods store, or online at www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/buyonline. Nonresidents can buy an annual license or a 1-, 3-, 7-, or 14-day permit. A separate king salmon stamp is required to fish for the big guys.Rainbow trout, arctic char, landlocked salmon, Dolly Varden, grayling, and northern pike are among the species found in waters like Jewel Lake in South Anchorage and Mirror and Fire lakes near Eagle River. Coho salmon return to Ship Creek (Downtown) in mid-July, and king salmon are caught there between late May and early July. Campbell Creek and Bird Creek just south of town are also good spots for coho (silver) salmon. Anywhere in Alaska there are fish, it’s possible there are also bears, so stay aware.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for licensing information. For information about Anchorage-area lakes, go to the website; click on "Sport" under the Fishing menu, the Southcentral portion of the "Information by Area" map, and then Anchorage. Anchorage, Alaska. 907/267–2218; www.adfg.alaska.gov.
The Bait Shack. You don't have to leave Downtown to fish for salmon–-they come right through Ship Creek. Dustin Slinker, the friendly owner of the Bait Shack, will tell you exactly where to fish so you're almost guaranteed to land a salmon; first timers are welcome. He'll also fillet and vacuum pack your catch. Daily rentals include a rod, reel, waders, tackle box, and landing net and cost $40; you can also purchase a fishing license here. Dustin rents gear for up to two weeks if your plans expand beyond the Bait Shack's backyard, but Ship Creek offers urban fishing among locals—a markedly different experience from pricey fishing charters. 212 W. Whitney Rd. , Downtown, Anchorage, Alaska, 99501. 907/522–3474; www.thebaitshackak.com.
Slam'n Salm'n Derby. Each June, locals fish for king salmon on Ship Creek to raise money for the Downtown Soup Kitchen. If you're not into fishing, the crowded combat fishing is just as entertaining to observe from the bridge. 211 W. Ship Creek Ave., Downtown, Anchorage, Alaska, 99501. www.anchorage.net/events/salmon-derby.
