Area Sport Fishing Reports
Anchorage

May 15, 2024

Freshwater Fishing

Salmon

• There have been no reports of kings having been caught at Ship Creek in 2024 yet. However, typically the next week is when the first king salmon is landed. Fishing will be slow to start off the king salmon season.

Rainbow Trout/Dolly Varden/Arctic Char

• Spawning closures are in place for Campbell and Chester creeks. Both creeks closed to all sport fishing on April 15 and will remain closed through June 14 to protect spawning rainbow trout.

Local Lakes

• All lakes in the Anchorage Bowl are open and ice free. Stocking in the local lakes has begun. Try slowly stripping a wet fly to entice a bite from a fish cruising lake’s edge in search of food. Small bait under a bobber is also an excellent option. Rainbow trout fishing on Lake Otis (Anchorage) and Beach Lake (Chugiak) will be good this week.
• Fishing has been fair to good on heavily stocked lakes with good winter survival. These include Cheney, Jewel, and Sand Lakes. These lakes are great options to fish until your favorite local lake is freshly stocked with fish this spring.
• Fishing on base? Areas on Elmendorf and north of the Glenn Highway need a Department of Defense identification card (DoD ID) or to be accompanied by a person possessing a DoD ID. Additionally, you need to register and obtain a permit through RecAccess.

Special Species Information

Northern Pike

Northern pike are not native to Anchorage area lakes. Lower Fire Lake was treated for pike in the fall of 2022, and all pike were eradicated. If you catch a pike in any Anchorage area lake, do not release it and immediately report it here.

Emergency Orders

Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

• There are currently no emergency orders for the Anchorage management area.

Don't forget to purchase your 2024 sport fishing license and king stamp! You can purchase and display your fishing license and king stamp, record your annual harvest (i.e. king salmon), access sport fishing regulations and locations, and so much more on your mobile device. Download the ADF&G Mobile App today. You can also purchase licenses through the ADF&G online store and print it off from the comfort of your own home. Make sure to review emergency orders, advisory announcements, and the 2024 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the Anchorage Area Office at (907) 267-2218.