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Surprise-you
don't even have to leave Anchorage
to land a famous Alaska salmon or trout.
Expand your do-it-yourself options
with a quick daytrip out of town in
either direction. Your chances aren't
as good as when hiring a guide and
boat, but it's cheap and convenient.
Fish run in the wild creeks and well-stocked
lakes, and it takes little gear to
get up and running. So if there's no
time for a fly-in fishing trip, do
like the locals and make the urban
landscape your fishing hole. Here are
our favorite local spots for gearing
up and fishing:
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| High-quality gear • Great advice |
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| If you're shopping for fishing gear, head to Mountain View Sports Center (907-563-8600). They carry the high-quality fly rods and reels, a complete selection of fly-tying materials, and a full line of spinning and casting gear. Their experienced, knowledgeable staff will get you geared up and ready to fish. Pick up that essential Alaska fishing license, and your king salmon tags too. |
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Directions: Head south from downtown on C Street, turn left on 36th Ave, then right on the Old Seward Highway. Mountain View Sports is at 3838 Old Seward, between Telephone and Communications Aves |
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| World's only urban king salmon fishery • Need only 2 hours • Best for king salmon |
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| Alaska's most productive king salmon sportfishery is located right in downtown Anchorage! Fish for salmon at Ship Creek even if you have only two hours. During the summertime derbies, specially tagged fish bring in $100-$10,000. Buy your tickets ($7-35) from the Derby Cabin next to Comfort Inn at Ship Creek and warm up your muscles-in 2002, a 41-pounder took grand prize! The "Ship Creek Combo" rental package at 6th Avenue Outfitters (907-276-0233) gets you a rod and reel for about $5/day. Rent boots or waders (about $10/day) to navigate the silty banks, buy some fishing line, and you're ready to go. |
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Directions: From downtown, you can walk to Ship Creek, or park near 1st Ave. |
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| 20 minutes south from downtown • Pink and silver salmon • Scenic drive |
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| Just 20 minutes south of town along the magnificent Turnagain Arm, Bird Creek hosts pink and silver salmon galore. When the runs are in, come prepared for "combat fishing" where a hundred anglers bump and nudge their way to the best spots. Drop by at 10 or 11 on a summer night for a quintessential Alaska experience: you'll be shocked to see crowds of locals casting for a late night dinner. |
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Directions: Head south on the Seward Highway to the bridge at Mile 103 |
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| Easily accessible • Forest and solitude • Rainbow trout • Silver salmon |
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| This fish-filled creek rushes out from Far North Bicentennial Park and through the center of town. Cast for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, or silver salmon-all within walking distance of your car. Throw on a pair of hip-waders and head up the creek or angle from the shoreline trail. |
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Directions: Park at one of the lots on Campbell Airstrip Rd. to access the creek from Far North Bicentennial Park, or head west on 76th off of Old Seward to King St., and park at Taku-Campbell Lake |
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| Over a dozen stocked lakes • Close to your hotel • Trout, salmon, char |
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| With over a dozen stocked lakes, fly-fishing in Anchorage is always just a quick drive from your hotel. Try Little Campbell Lake in Kincaid Park for rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, and arctic char. Sand Lake in South Anchorage boasts pan-sized trout, salmon, and the voracious northern pike. For a full-day rainbow trout adventure and sweeping views of the Turnagain Arm, hike the McHugh Creek trail seven miles to Rabbit Lake. |
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Directions: For Little Campbell Lake, head south on New Seward Hwy to Dimond Exit. Head west on Dimond (3.2 mi) to Jewel Lake Rd. Turn right on Jewel Lake, left on Raspberry Rd (after 1.3 mi), and right on gravel road at Kincaid Park entrance (after 1.9 mi). Another 0.5 miles to lake and parking area. For Sand Lake, follow Campbell directions to Jewel Lake. Turn left on Caravelle Drive (1.1 mi).Another 0.1 miles to foot trail and street parking. For the McHugh Creek trailhead, head south on the Seward Highway to mile 111. |
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