Fifty-pound king salmon. Trophy-worthy trout. Fantastically finned grayling. And that's just Anchorage's urban fishery!
Yes, Anchorage is a fishing fantasy come to life, and that isn't a fish tale -- even the most secretive fisherman will 'fess up to that.
"Fishing in Anchorage is mind-boggling, really," explained Shane Hertzog, a fishing fanatic and program technician for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, whose job allows him to hang out with fishermen, talk fishing and catch fish. "What other urban town has a creek with 50- 60-pound kings and beautiful trout that people would mount in Colorado?"
That's a loaded question, of course. As far as urban sport fishing goes, it doesn't get much better than Anchorage. The community has millions of fish swimming in streams, loaded in lakes and cramming the creeks. You can catch some of Alaska's most amazing and diverse fish -- king salmon, silver salmon and rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling -- within a short walk from downtown Anchorage. No, seriously! A short drive or quick hike from the urban area adds even more options and species.
The action surges in summer. From May to September, the fish counts are high, the sun is warm and the fishermen are giddy. Where are the hot spots? Around Anchorage, practically anywhere there's water, there's fish. Downtown's Ship Creek is slamming with salmon throughout the summer season, while Campbell Creek is hot with rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and certain salmon species. Chester Creek is a trout haven, while many lakes have Arctic grayling, Arctic char, lake trout and even landlocked salmon - Jewel Lake, Mirror Lake and Delong Lake are local favorites.
Hertzog recommends contacting Fish and Game for fishing information, as well as following local fishing blogs and message boards or even approaching fellow fisherman for tips. When you're out shopping for tackle or gear, be sure to chat with the folks working at the local fishing shops as well.
Even though you're casting and catching in the middle of Alaska's biggest city, many of these fishing holes also offer some of the best in Alaska's peace, quiet, wildlife and natural settings.
"Anchorage has a wonderful greenbelt -- you can get an amazing outdoor experience and great fishing and still be in the city limits," said Hertzog. "Sometimes, you don't even know you're in a city."
When looking for a charter or guided fishing experience, shop around. Most reputable charter companies have years of experience and are easy to study up on via their websites. Be specific about what you want to accomplish when casting a line.
Lures and lines, rods and reels, large or small fish -- the choices and combinations for fishing around Anchorage are endless. But if you're 16 and older and want to fish Alaska, there's one piece of equipment that all fishermen must carry: a fishing license. Nonresidents have many fishing license options, from one-day ($20) to annual ($145). If you want to fish for king salmon, you need a king salmon tag, which runs an additional $10 for one day and up to $100 for an annual stamp. Residents have numerous license options for different fishermen (military, low-income, senior citizens) so do your research.
You can purchase Alaska fishing licenses at most sporting goods shops, many grocery stores and shopping centers, and even online or through the mail. If you have questions, contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game at 907-465-2376, adfg.license@alaska.gov, or www.adfg.alaska.gov.
It's also a fisherman's responsibility to know regulations. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is an amazing resource for information, from regulations and bag limits to updated regional fishing reports. Get hooked at www.adfg.alaska.gov.
And always be bear aware -- they love fish too. Clean up your fish waste and fish responsibly.
ANCHORAGE FISH
Arctic char: They look like salmon and come in many colors but the dead giveaways are the red and pink spots on their back and sides and the white markings on their lower fins.
Dolly Varden: Often confused with trout and Arctic char, this form of char often has light spots on its dark, greenish body.
Grayling: Its oversized dorsal fin makes it stand out, as does its small mouth and blue/purple body.
Salmon, chinook (king salmon): The king of Pacific salmon has black spots on its tail, speckled spots on its back and a black pigment in its mouth.
Salmon, chum (dog salmon): You can pick out this salmon thanks to its forked, spotless tail and its large pupils.
Salmon, coho (silver salmon): Most often this salmon can be identified by the tiny black speckles on its upper tail and its white gums.
Salmon, pink (humpy salmon): The smallest of Pacific salmon has large, oval spots and no silver on its tail, many black spots on its back, few teeth and very small scales.
Salmon, sockeye (red salmon): Among the smallest salmon, it is often spotless, has golden eyes and bright orange flesh.
Trout, rainbow: They love to fight and their colors are bright; these silver fish get their name from the red-pink band that runs along its sides.
