The Great Outdoors, Alaska!

[Pitcherbeb]

So this is off the subject a little bit, but I'm heading up to Anchorage this next summer(July/Aug) for an internship for veterinary school and I have no idea of where one would start for salmon. I've wanted to go to Alaska my entire life and now I get the chance! What outdoorsman wouldn't want to! Anyway, I'm looking for a little help from some fellow Alaska Iceshantiers. I know the guys here in Indiana who are on Iceshanty straight up know how to fish, ice or no ice,  and I wouldn't expect anything less from you guys up in Alaska. So any help on where to start, freshwater websites, or anyone willing to drag my sorry butt around  and show me the ropes for a couple weeks would be greatly appreciate!

Brian
ps. send some of that cold air down our way so we can get some ice down here!

[Grizzly1]

There are too many fishing opportunities around Anchorage for me to list them all, here are a few close to or in Anch.

Ship Creek-Downtown Anch., combat fishing for Kings and Silvers

Cambell Creek-peacefull fishing for Silvers in Anch.

Eklutna Tailrace-Crowded fishing at times, decent King and Silver fishing, close to Anch, 30 min or so to the north.

Bird Creek-Chance to view grizzly bears and fish for salmon, only 1/2 hour south of Anch, can be a competitive fishery.

Great fishing can be had by driving 1-2 hours to the north (Mat-su) and the same thing if you head south to the Upper Kenai River (Cooper Landing) and beyond.  Don't forget the Saltwater fishing out of Valdez, Whittier, Seward and Homer,  all of them have excellent fishing.

Check out Alaska Outdoors Directory Forums (Google) for all the info you'll need!

[icy mike]

Don't forget the entire Susitna Drainage (Montana Creek, Sheep Creek, Caswell Creek, Goose Creek, Little Su... and others).  These are good for Kings, Silvers, as well as a few reds and about a two hour drive from Anchorage.  Jim Creek is great for silvers as well as a few reds with the occasional big dolly and is about an hour north of Anchorage.  A few hours south and you'll be in the Kenai River/Russian River area.  Then there is Whittier, about an hour south of Anchorage.  Opportunities to charter a boat for halibut, silvers, kings...  You can even fish from shore when the silvers are in.

[Barleydog]

pbeb,
Those guys gave you some good advise!  I live in the interior, and our fishing won't compare to that of the peninsulas rich wealth of sea run and fresh water fishing. 
I would try the salt water from shore or charter.  Valdez and Seward are great views and allow for some easy pickings right from shore on a variety of fish.  I'd also stop at the kenia or copper for reds and kings.....  Get to the local shops for up to the minute information!  They make $$ on return visitors.
If you decide to travel into the Interior, Grayling are fish worth targeting.  Grayling are easy to catch and a trophy sized fish that's C&R'd will make a memorable mount that's hard to beat in the midwest!  Good luck

[Pitcherbeb]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the info! I can't wait to get up there and try out some of the spots! I may get up there and never want to come back to Indiana! Thanks again.

[arley/pa]

convenient thread-I will be staying on the kasilof river in ak for a couple days in mid august/07.I understand the rainbows trout fishing is pretty good.The ak fish &game recommends mepps and similar spinners.Also "pixies"-whatever they are.Can my usual Pa trout tackle handle what i might catch (light rod -6lb line) or should I take some heavier stuff?Anybody ahve any tips?

[Barleydog]

Arley,
Your gear may be a little smallish for targeting wild rainbows and dollies on the fast running waters of the peninsula.  There's some hogs that will reach the upper 20's, most will be smaller fish but don't bring a sword to a gunfight.  If I could make one suggestion for rainbows, it would be a 7-8 wt. flyrod with weighted line...  If you can't flyfish, learn!  Your fly options are wider to fit the changing conditions and available at any sportshop in the area.  You may want to take a guided trip if you want to fish lesser fished areas.  Yeah one more thing....  If your fishing during the salmon run, you'll probably snag a few by accident which would make a rather interesting fight on 6lb. line on a fast running stream!  Watch for bears..... use pepper spray, just remember not to spray it on like insect repellant eh!

[Fishin Fireman]

  Watch for bears..... use pepper spray, just remember not to spray it on like insect repellant eh!

MMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Human Seasoning, me Bear HUNGRY