Anchorage Fishing Memories

Fun along the creek banks.

The photo above is Ship Creek.

Summer in Anchorage means fishing along the banks of Ship Creek, Campbell Creek, and many of the lakes in town.

Dolly Varden and rainbow trout are plentiful in the waters around Anchorage.

With visions of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, it was fun to pack a snack, grab your fishing gear, and head out to spend some time at your favorite fishing hole.

She Caught Her First Fish

Mike of the Anchorage Memories Club has this fishing memory he will never forget.

“There I was, fishing from the banks of Campbell Creek. I was suddenly aware of a lady and her young daughter. It was the girl’s birthday, and her mom had given her one of those little ice-fishing poles as a gift.

I watched as the happy young girl put her line in the water. It was obvious that she didn’t know how to fish. So, I offered her some help.

There were some trout in a likely spot in the creek, so I told her to cast her line in that direction. Then I showed her how to hold her line and wait for a nibble.

Within moments, a nice-sized fish was on her line. I then coached her by telling her how to land her fish.

The girl was delighted and had a huge smile on her face as she stood there, holding her fish. Then she looked up at me with big eyes and a smile to match and said, “This is my first fish. Thank you, I’ll never forget you.”

Over the years, I’ve remembered that precious moment on the banks of Campbell Creek. I never knew her name, but I’ll never forget her.”

Old proverb:

"Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime."

Did You Know?

Ship Creek is considered the only urban king salmon fishery in the world.

Ship Creek is so named for the safe anchorage provided for ships near the mouth of the creek.

The Dena’ina called Ship Creek “Crying Ridge Creek.”

Yes, You Can Share This Edition

It's easy.

And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will give you a life-time pass to fish every day of the week if it pleases you… well, it could happen.

In the picture above is Campbell Creek

This Anchorage creek is named after Sir Joseph Campbell, who explored the area between 1785 and 1792.

While Ship Creek, mentioned earlier, is the largest waterway in Anchorage, Campbell Creek is the second-largest.

The One That Got Away

Mike of the Anchorage Memories Club was fishing in Campbell Creek one afternoon near a beaver dam and has this memory:

“I had my line in the water in a likely spot near a beaver dam. But not having any nibbles or strikes for a while, I started to pull my line out of the water.

Suddenly, I had a huge, strong strike.

For a moment, I panicked because I thought I had accidentally hooked a beaver. But seconds later, a rather large rainbow trout took off from where my line had been and shot across the stream like it was jet propelled. The rainbow darted and dashed about in the water, obviously upset at the surprise of my hook.

I quickly got a bigger hook and put my line back in the water.

But the large rainbow trout would have none of it.

Talk about the fish that got away.”

Sport Fishing Changed in the 1950s

Did you know that sport fishing technology made some significant changes in the 1950s?

Fiberglass rods and synthetic line were made available. Before those changes, if you fished, you were using a cane pole (a large stalk of bamboo) with a string line.

The Territorial Department of Fisheries was created in Alaska in 1949. In 1951, the Department of Fish and Game was created.

Fish Were Jumping Over the Nets

Mary of the Anchorage Memories Club has this special fishing memory.

“My summers were spent at our families commercial fishing village at Point Possession, just across Cook Inlet from Anchorage.

One of the great things about summer in Alaska is all the daylight. That was very helpful when the fish run was on. I remember watching in awe as fish jumped over our net.

My mother Feodoria, two uncles; five brothers; and two sisters all had jobs to do when the fish were running and our nets were full.

When the tide went back out, and the run was over, we had to pick the fish out of our nets. And you had to be careful not to mangle the fish, because each one was worth money. It was a lot of responsibility for us as youngsters.

The sharp teeth of the dog fish would get wrapped around the net. It was also challenging to get the humpies through the small holes of the net. And I remember the silver salmon were so shiny, and wow, the kings were so long.

It wasn’t all work at our commercial fishing site. Summers included taking a break by roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the beach campfire and listening to Anchorage radio.”

Oh the Memories

As you fished along the banks of your favorite stream or lake in and around Anchorage, it was quiet, relaxing, and fun.

There you were, surrounded by Alaska’s glorious nature in full summer bloom. At times, there was only the sound of the stream as it gently flowed to its destination.

And while catching a fish was the main goal, it didn’t always matter.

Fishing in and around Anchorage is a special experience. There you are, one with nature. But, strangely, still in town.

Your Anchorage fishing memories are precious indeed.

Mike and Mary also publish Alaska Stories twice each month. It’s FREE.

Take a look at Alaska Stories and discover Alaska.

Connect with Mike and Mary

Ok, time to reel in and pull your fishing line out of the water. But let’s keep the soft glow of those watercolor Anchorage fishing memories near to our hearts.

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Until Next Time

Mike and Mary

Anchorage Memories Club