-Campbell Creek – Anchorage, Alaska
-Deception Creek – Willow, Alaska
-Eagle Rock Boat Launch – Kenai, Alaska
-Deep Creek State Recreation Area – Kenai Region
-Kenai River – Soldotna, Alaska
-Kenai River Bank Fishing – Beaver Creek
-Little Susitna – Houston, Alaska
-Little Susitna Public Use Facility
-Moose Creek – Sutton, Alaska
-Russian River – Coopers Landing, Alaska
-Ship Creek – Anchorage, Alaska
-Unalakleet River – Unalakleet, Alaska
Campbell Creek – Anchorage, Alaska
Campbell Creek is city salmon fishing at its finest. It’s a great creek to float or fish. If neither tickles your fancy, you can just observe the salmon and trout that inhabit the creek. Winterbear.com has a great article on floating the creek here.
Between our fishing adventures outside of Anchorage, Campbell Creek was a great place to stop and look for fish – specifically Rainbow Trout and Silver Salmon. Check with ADFG for specific regulations on this creek since some parts are totally off-limits to fishing while others are seasonal or allow only certain types of fishing tackle/methods. Another good book is the Highway Angler by Gunnar Pedersen. There are many spots to park and wade fish the creek. We parked at the part where Piper Street intersects the trail. It’s also where the creek forks into north and south.
When we got there, the creek was clear and moving and we saw 6-8 fish. Most were mature salmon ready to spawn (red bodies) but there were a couple of silver bodied salmon in the mix, as well. The goal was to feed the flies or lures to the silver bodies and hope they were the prized Silver (Coho) Salmon we were targeting. With the water moving, wind blowing, and the debris in the water, it can be extremely difficult to tell the species apart. Sometimes you think it’s a Coho, Steelhead or Rainbow but ends up being a Jack King or Jack Silver Salmon. If you catch fish you can’t identify or a spawning salmon takes your lure, simply catch and release. It’s not worth the fines you can incur and it’s the right thing to do. If you see a Salmon spawning (look for the sperm or egg release) or guarding its redd (fertilized egg nest), best not to send your lure its way. There are usually plenty of other fish in the stream you can quickly get to.
In the Campbell, we found what we were looking for – Silver Salmon. There weren’t many but one we caught and the other we couldn’t get to bite. While targeting a Silver, a mature Sockeye swam in front and took the fly and the fight was on. The Sockeye was safely released to continue its journey upstream to spawn. On that note: If you do catch a mature red colored salmon, try to keep it in the water as you remove the hook. If you take it out of the water, it may have the tendency to release its sperm or eggs prematurely; thus, reducing the future population of fish for future anglers to enjoy. Sometimes it happens so fast, but when you are aware of it, you can better prepare for the safe “release” part of fishing. Best of luck catching!
Deception Creek – Willow, Alaska
We were on the hunt for some Rainbow Trout and Deception Creek looked like a good spot to stop and wet some flies. Deception Creek empties into Willow Creek about 150 yards to the north. Instead of heading north into Willow Creek, we headed south and opted to stay in Deception Creek. Parking along Willow Fishhook Rd. consisted of 3-4 spots. Thus, get there early or park along the road somewhere. We saw a couple of fellas with their float tubes and it looked like Deception Creek was their takeout point. It’s likely they floated the Willow Creek since Deception was a bit smaller and floating would be a PITA.
We put the waders on and started upstream to the south. The water was tea colored, but clear enough to see fish that weren’t hiding. Well, we didn’t see ANY fish. What do you do when you don’t see any fish? You cast at the structure. The structure is fallen trees, logs, big rocks, points, hollowed banks, etc… There was plenty of structure in the form of fallen trees and logs.
We waded and walked the banks (talking to ourselves loudly to avoid surprising a bear) for about 1/2 mile casting every fly including the kitchen sink. Nothing….until we brought out the olive drab Wooley Bugger. Yes, I should’ve started with it, I know.
We were able to get a few fish to come out from under the fallen trees and logs, but only landed one fish – a Rainbow Trout! Sometimes that one fish will change the whole day. When I saw the line move I yanked too hard to set the hook, the tiny 8″ Rainbow flew out of the water and onto the ground for a short second or two. I was hoping for a monster, but the little guy was no such thing. Luckily, I was able to quickly get the fish back into the water quickly and he swam off strong.
Eagle Rock Boat Launch – Kenai, Alaska
My friends launched their boat here in late July 2021 for some Kenai River Sockeye dip netting. They dropped me off on the bank along the way for some Sockeye Salmon fishing of my own. Many spots along the bank were quite crowded due to the recent late season sockeye run numbers posted on the Alaska Dept of Fish and Game Website. The numbers got even better about a week after I fished this river on 26 July 2021. The numbers that day was 52,164 estimate by the DIDSON sonar and 7 days later the estimate was nearly triple that of 151,525!
From the website above: The Eagle Rock Boat Launch is now run by the State of Alaska Parks and Outdoor Recreation. It lays on a secluded channel of the Kenai River, which makes it an excellent boat launch. Parking is available for $5 a day per vehicle, and boat launches are $25 per boat, per launch. Please note that annual parking and boat launch decals are not accepted at this facility.
The Kenai River Special Management Area (SMA) consists of more than 105 linear miles of rivers and lakes, including Kenai Lake, Skilak Lake, and the Kenai River from river mile 82 downstream to four miles above the river’s mouth on Cook Inlet. Adjacent to these waters are fifteen state park sub-units. Other Kenai River land is owned by cities, the borough and the federal government, as well as private and native lands. Please respect all property along the river.
The Kenai River boasts major runs of four Pacific salmon species: king, red, silver and pink; in addition to trophy sized rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Kenai River kings, or Chinook salmon, are among the largest North Pacific salmon, often weighing from 50 to over 85 pounds. The abundant productivity of the Kenai River and variety of habitats enables the area to support large concentrations of bald eagles and many species of migratory waterfowl. Moose, caribou, wolves, bears and other wildlife also use the river systems resources. The area offers prime opportunities for fishing, boating, camping and wildlife observation.
Deep Creek State Recreation Area
Deep Creek State Recreation Area in Cook Inlet is legendary for its halibut and king salmon runs, making the campsites in the park very much in demand. Bald eagles are visible year-round. In the month of May, sandhill cranes and other shore birds inhabit the saltwater marsh. Whales, seals and otters can be seen offshore.
Legendary? Yes. It. Is. On my second trip to Alaska, my buddy set us up with some King Salmon fishing. The previous trip landed in the middle of a Sockeye Salmon run on the Kenai River. This visit, in 2017, coincided with the opening of a King Salmon window. Deep Creek it was. We headed down there Friday afternoon. The season/window opened at midnight that night. Midnight? Yes. Midnight- and our rods will be in the casting position by 1159pm. Midnight wasn’t a problem since July “nights” are still somewhat light. One can easily find themselves fishing till 3am with little signal that it’s “night.”
20 minutes after opening, my buddy’s wife was the first to land the prized Chinook, and it was a biggun’. Wow – 20 min! These Kings are gonna be easy, I thought to myself. After a few fishing segments and cat naps, 14 hours later I landed my King Salmon – after a good fight. What was interesting is that I could see the fish in the creek in front of me, but had the hardest time getting it to bite. I must’ve casted a thousand times until I finally hooked up. Around my 999th cast, the angler next to me hooked up. This must be it! It’s feeding time. Before I could cast, another angler down river hooked up! What was going on? Should I check my solunar feeding times? It was my turn and boy was it! Sure enough, that dark spot in the creek in front of me wasn’t a rock I was casting to after all. FISH ON!
I was using a medium-heavy spinning rod with a silver and green salmon spoon and the fish finally took it. If you’ve never hooked a King Salmon, there’s a reason they reign amongst the salmon. This fish was fat and full of fight. Just when I thought it was time for the net, the salmon found another fight and headed down river, leading me over fallen trees, river rock and whatever debris found its way on the bank.
Finally, the fish was netted. My buddy who netted it for me, was the last to catch a King. Since 3 of us all hooked up nearly at the same time, I urged him to start casting. By that time, it was too late. The feeding window had closed and he wouldn’t net one for another 12 hours and many casts and naps later.
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Kenai River Bank Fishing – Beaver Creek
After being dropped off along the bank, I rigged my fly rod with an 8 ft leader, some split shot and a hook with pink yarn and began “flipping.” Some call it “flossing.” Either way, the point of it is to cast up stream and get the hook down near the mouths of the Sockeye and entice them to bite out of reaction. Some will argue that the Sockeye won’t chase lures, but I’ve experienced them chasing lures from time-to-time. Since it doesn’t happen often, the point seems to be to guide the hook into their mouths as they hang along the banks on their way upstream to spawn. Some people are really good at it while others are not (me). The angler next to me seemed to hook a Sockeye about every Fifth cast while it took me a couple hundred casts to catch 3 this day! The trick is to add the correct amount of weight (split shot works well) and put the weight at the correct location from the hook so that when the current takes the line and hook, the hook is at the same level of the mouth of the Sockeye Salmon. Sounds easy…. right?!!!
Well, in the last hour, I caught 3 Sockeye (the limit that day for that river) and had some great fish for some future meals. Some say this technique is fly-fishing. Others will argue that it’s fishing with a fly. Either way, the fish has to be hooked in the mouth to legally harvest (keep). Best of luck!
Kenai River – Soldotna, Alaska
The Kenai River is a glacial stream draining the central Kenai Peninsula and flowing 82 miles from Kenai Lake, through Skilak Lake and into Cook Inlet. The river runs parallel to the Sterling Highway for much of its length making it one of the most accessible major salmon producing rivers in Alaska.
Sockeye (Red) Salmon fishing can be fantastic on the Kenai River. While the Kenai River can be accessed in many places, we chose Soldotna during the summer of 2013. The Sockeye Salmon make two runs up this river each year to spawn and eventually complete their life cycle where they were born. Other types of salmon, including the prized King Salmon, will frequent this river, as well, but usually at different times.
Below is the typical runs near Soldotna, per their city’s website:
King Salmon (Chinook) — First Run: Mid May to July; Second Run: Mid July to July 31 (last day of season)
Red Salmon (Sockeye) — First Run: Late May to Early June; Second Run: Mid July to Early August
Silver Salmon (Coho) — Late July to November 1
Pink Salmon (Humpbacks) — Late July to Late August (Even Years Only)
Rainbow Trout — June 15 – October 31
Dolly Varden and Lake Trout — Entire Year
If you go, be sure to do your research to make sure you aren’t shocked at the Combat Fishing techniques in this area and the various rigs that will increase your chances of success. While many anglers use fly rods, it’s hard to say they are fly fishing. Rather, they are fishing with a fly and that fly is a fluorescent wad of yarn just pulled out of your pocket and placed on a hook. Potlicking is not valid when fishing the salmon runs and you better be comfortable fishing 15 feet away from another fellow angler. The good thing is that there are plenty of fish to be caught, so be patient and treat your fellow angler with kindness. That angler will likely help you net your catch. Good luck and don’t forget your waders!
Little Susitna – Houston, Alaska
Roadside Angler. Kayaks. Boats. Banks. Alaska has so many roadside spots to stop and fish. I took a look at the Highway Angler and mapped out some day trips along Alaska’s highways and scenic byways. I took a day trip up SR 3 – Parks Hwy towards Houston, AK. In Houston, the Little Susitna (Little Su) intersected the Hwy so it was a great opportunity to check it out. On the south side of the river there is free parking, but limited. The north side of the river is an established area with plenty of parking and restrooms – for a small, nominal fee. I don’t mind paying a few bucks for safety and security. In Alaska, safety from bears (parking lots are more safe than forest brush and security (less chance your vehicle will be vandalized).
I parked in the day use fee area, grabbed my gear and walked 50 feet to the river. Immediately, I saw some colored post-spawn salmon and a pre-spawn Pink Salmon in the middle of the river. I tied on a purple egg sucking leech with a pink egg and floated my fly near the Pink “Humpy” salmon.
First cast – nothing.
Second cast – BOOM! Fish on! I quickly pulled in the Pink Salmon near the shallow water on the bank, removed the fly and sent him back to the river.
Wow! That was incredible, I thought. My first salmon that I fly-fished for (instead of fishing with a fly aka “flossing). I got the fly close to the salmon’s mouth and he attacked it. What a rush.
I saw a couple on the other bank fishing for awhile and not pulling in anything. My second cast….FISH ON! I’m usually the guy who is casting his arm off while others come next to me and catch on the first cast. Great day!
Little Susitna Public Use Facility
Little Susitna Public Use Facility
Great place to catch Chum Salmon when they are running. All other Pacific Salmon species can be caught here, as well. I wade fished this area late July/early August of 2021. Chum Salmon was running pretty good and were caught on flies, spoons and spinners (by the anglers to the left and right of me). I managed to hook a few but couldn’t land any. This place is remote so be prepared for bears and some gravel roads for the last couple of miles.
Parking is plenty and requires a small fee. There is camping facilities available, as well. Click provided link for information or check Alaska Dept of Fish and Game website for other information.
Moose Creek – Sutton, Alaska
Day Trip Highway Angler up Palmer Hwy in July/Aug 2021.
I stopped at Moose Creek Campground and parked the car (about 8 free parking spaces). The campground can support tents and RVs. I believe it’s a first-come, first-served campground since I can’t find any websites that have reservations for it. Keep in mind, there are a few Moose Creeks in Alaska. The campground looked nice and was in a great location due to it’s proximity to Palmer, the last major town before heading east to Glenallen. Fees and rules in the pictures below.
Waders on. Fly and spinning rod rigged. Backpack packed. Ready to go. Well, I’m glad they had some toilets at the site.
I began the hike up stream along a trail that weaved in and out of the woods and creek. I fished a few spots for the first 1/2 mile upstream. Along the way, I saw MANY spawned out and spawning (red color) King Salmon and a few silver King Salmon along the way. King Salmon fishing was closed in this creek so that was out of the question. The creek was used for Navy coal mining many years ago and a good effort has been made to recover the salmon since the coal mining disrupted it (see pictures below).
After 1/2 mile, I began fishing my way back. Along the way I saw a few rotting salmon and one freshly eaten spawn out salmon along the bank (see picture below). Probably a BEAR. Salmon spawn and are born in the freshwater streams and lakes where they live a year or two before heading back to the ocean to grow and mature 2-6 years (species dependent). When ready to spawn, they head back to where they were born, spawn and then die. Yes. They die. They turn a reddish-brownish color and their fish bodies begin to deteriorate until they eventually die. Bears, wildlife and other fish eat the dying (or dead) salmon and the circle of life continues.
Heading back downstream, my goal was to fish my way to the Mat-su River, where Moose Creek empties into. The distance from the road to the Mat-su River is about 3/4 of a mile. Plan on moving about 1/4 of a mile every 30 – 60 min (or more), when moving along heavily wooded areas. Don’t expect to move fast when movement is hampered by your fishing, heavy brush, fallen trees and the FEAR OF SURPRISING A BEAR.
I only made it about .35 miles downstream due to time. I did manage to catch two Jack Salmon (Silver or King). One looked like a Steelhead swimming upstream and another took my Mepps Black Fury when I cast into a deep pool near some fallen trees. I was unsure what it was until I showed the picture to some friends later on. When unsure what your catch is or the regulations for harvesting (keeping), it’s best to return to the water to avoid losing your license and paying hefty fines.
Russian River – Coopers Landing, Alaska
Russian River Ferry – Sportsman’s Landing
We took the ferry over to the south side of the river to the well-established fishing bank. The number of sockeye running in late July 2021 was good and we should have caught a few fish. However, we only had 2 hours to fish and we didn’t have the best spot to fish, though we should have managed a few. See below for an underwater clip of how many sockeye salmon were near the ferry landing dock and the BEAR eating sockeye scraps along the bank!
From Alaska Trekker: The Russian River is a very popular 13-mile-long river on the Kenai Peninsula that flows northward from Upper Russian Lake in the Kenai Mountains through Lower Russian Lake, draining into the Kenai River. The waters are fairly shallow with a hard-packed gravel bottom, which makes it very easy to navigate. The Russian River Ferry at the confluence of the rivers carries foot-passengers to the busiest combat-fishing spot in Alaska. Be prepared for crowds when the salmon run hot. It’s not uncommon then to fish within 4 feet of another fisherman – on both sides of you!
Ship Creek – Anchorage, Alaska
Headed to Anchorage and you want to fish? Didn’t bring your fishing gear? No worries! You are up Ship Creek! The Bait Shack at Ship Creek will rent you everything you need to catch salmon swimming to their spawning grounds up Ship Creek. Not in the mood to fish? You can stand on the foot bridge and watch anglers pull in Pink Salmon, Coho Salmon and King Salmon – depending on when you are here. I make sure to visit this fishing spot each time I’m here because it’s fun, fast, and convenient. With or without polarized sunglasses, one can see the salmon swimming upstream, sometimes in schools of 50 – 100 or more. King Salmon tend to be available in late May – early July and Coho available late July – mid September. We’ve caught many Pink Salmon and a few Silver Coho Salmon using Pink weighted flies and Pink Vibrax Spinners.
From Alaska Dept of Fish and Game: Ship Creek is a favorite local fishing and shorebird viewing spot near downtown in the industrial environment of the Port of Anchorage. With the Anchorage skyline as backdrop, the mud and sedge flats and ocean-fed waters support salmon runs and provide habitat for plovers, sandpipers, godwits, and other migrating shorebirds.
Two miles upstream from the mouth of the creek at the corner of Reeve Blvd. and Post Road is the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery. Open to the public, you are welcome to stop by from 8 am to 4 pm and take a walk through the visitor corridor. This space was set aside for public access to allow viewing of hatchery activity. There is a foot path outside the facility allowing access to view Ship Creek. From early July through September adult salmon can often be seen in this stretch of the creek. Returning Chinook (king) and coho (silver) salmon are collected and held in two raceways located creek side. Hatchery staff will collect eggs from these fish to begin the next production cycle.
Unalakleet River – Unalakleet, Alaska
Silver and Pink Salmon on the Unalakleet River and Tributaries (North/South Rivers)
We headed out late morning one early August 2021 day looking for some Coho (Silver Salmon). The Pink Salmon run up river was pretty strong during this time but we were confident we could find some Silvers mixed in the Pink.
After filling the boat with gas, we loaded up the boat and backed her into the river with the ATV. Most folks in Unalakleet use an ATV to move their boats. Some will use a conventional Truck or SUV, but ATVs seem to be easier and the vehicle of choice. The main boat ramp is located near the Alaska Commercial Company at the south end of the village. The village isn’t big so if you can’t find it, ask a local. They are very friendly and helpful.
We launched and headed upriver. The river was very high and quite murky due to the many days of rain that inundated the area the previous week. Normally, the river is very clear and one can see the fish in the water. Not this trip. We were gonna have to use our fish finding skills to find them.
We looked for signs of fish activity (fish coming out of the water, fish rolls, bait action, etc…) and quickly found it. The Pink Salmon were everywhere and they were rolling consistently. We also targeted the point where rivers and streams collide (confluences), which is often where fish will hang out. For salmon, they will often hang out close to the banks due to the slower river flows, which allow them to conserve their energy.
Despite seeing Pink Salmon everywhere and casting directly at them, there is no guarantee they will bite. The salmon bite came near the river/stream confluences, points and small coves. Rarely did we get any bites in open water.
Once we found the method, the salmon bite was HOT! I found a particular point near some brush and nearly every cast I got a bite. Another key to the salmon bite is having the right bait or lure. For us, the Pink Salmon were attacking the Pink and Orange Classic Vibrax spinners (#4 or #5) or other alternative brand spinners. We landed 4 Silver Salmon using a variety of gear to include Vibrax spinner, Pink weighted fly, Orange spinner and salmon roe w/bobber.
Despite the flooded river levels and the water clarity, the weather was perfect and the bite was still strong. What a day!
