Fishing in Downtown Anchorage
Anchorage has a unique fishery downtown called “Ship Creek.” There are few places in the U.S. where you have a viable fishery for all five species of Pacific salmon minutes from your front door. So, if you’re on a time crunch, and you don’t have the time to drive for hours, Ship Creek might be what you’re looking for. Or if you’re wanting to wet a line and you have a few hours to burn, but you want to have a good chance of catching a salmon, this may be your new fishing destination.
What to Wear
When gearing up to fish Ship Creek, remember that most areas around the river are muddy due to one of the highest tidal fluctuations in the world. So wear clothing that you don’t mind getting a little hard-to-get- off glacial silt on. Footwear can consist of muck boots or hip waders. The most productive fishing usually takes place 2.5 hours before and after high tide. Everyone has their own preference on what gear they choose to use, whether fly rod, spin rod or bait-caster. They all can be effective. I prefer to soak bait on the bottom of the river, and wait for the fish to find it. It can be very productive.
However you choose to fish our downtown urban gem, get out there, practice social distancing (which is still required as of now), and catch some fresh salmon fillets for the grill.
STAY SAFE!
