News Release
Anchorage, Alaska – One of America’s Best Fishing Cities
Anchorage, Alaska – Aug. 4, 2006 – “Field & Stream” magazine’s 2006 list of America’s top 20 best fishing cities notes Anchorage as an angler’s hotspot. With easily accessed lakes, rivers, streams and saltwater, Anchorage, Alaska, was ranked number 10 in the country, beating out big names like Boston and San Francisco, and marking it as a truly special fishing destination.
Questions that “Field & Stream” considered when ranking the cities included: “If you could switch jobs, would you consider moving there, to increase your fishing options? Would you plan a visit there, specifically to fish? Or, at the least, would you throw a rod and reel into your luggage before a business trip, in case you happened to find a little free time?”
According to “Field & Stream,” Anchorage is “the staging point for most good things in Alaska,” and suggests that “before you jump into a bush plane, try fishing Ship Creek in town.” In Anchorage, it’s not uncommon to see businesspeople step out of the office for their lunch hour, throw on a pair of hip-waders, and head to Ship Creek, right in the heart of downtown, to reel in a wild Alaska king or silver salmon. Salmon derbies are held in June and August annually, with thousands of dollars worth of cash and prizes for the winners. To make it easy, fishing licenses and gear are available to purchase and rent onsite.
Once known as “Tent City,” Anchorage has come a long way from its meager beginnings, but the frontier spirit still lives strong with locals, making fishing a big part of the culture. Within the city, numerous lakes are stocked with fish, and canoe and paddleboat rentals are available from various vendors in town.
Campbell Lake, located in Kincaid Park, is stocked with rainbow trout, landlocked salmon and Arctic char. As an added bonus, the park offers extensive hiking trails.
APU/University Lake has great fishing for small rainbows on a nearly hidden lake near the Alaska Pacific University campus. Children love the fishing, while adults may enjoy a peaceful float or a walk along the wooded path circling the lake.
An Anchorage gem, Jewel Lake is a local favorite for picnics and angling, offering quiet floating with breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountain Range. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and landlocked salmon. Parking, toilets, picnic tables and a dock are on site and canoes and inflatables can be used.
Running through the center of Anchorage, the Campbell Creek greenbelt has eight easy-to-find public access points for viewing salmon and rainbow trout. Not all areas are open to fishing.
Eagle River is located just 13 miles north of downtown Anchorage and is usually open for king salmon fishing during weekends, from mid-May through June.
Visitors can make Anchorage their fishing base camp and take short drives to additional fishing holes. Great sites within the city limits include Bird Creek, an excellent silver and good pink salmon fishery, as well as 20 Mile River, near Portage Glacier. The Mat-Su Valley lakes, just 40 minutes north of Anchorage, offer trout, Arctic char and landlocked salmon. Nearby, the Deshka and Susitna rivers have strong King and Coho salmon runs, respectively.
Eklutna Lake, 25 scenic miles north of Anchorage, is the largest lake in Chugach State Park – seven miles long and one mile wide – and is known for its emerald-blue water that traps the run-off from Eklutna Glacier. The lake offers monster rainbow trout and Dolly Varden and, for non-fishing visitors, paddle and pedal adventures.
Longer drives provide opportunities for saltwater fishing – Prince William Sound (Whittier) is just over an hour away from Anchorage, Resurrection Bay (Seward) is two and a half hours away and Kachemak Bay (Homer) is five hours away. Those who don’t wish to drive can take commuter flights to both Seward and Homer. Numerous fishing charters are available to outfit fishers with the right gear and take them out for half or full day excursions; no experience is necessary. It’s well worth the trip – Alaska boasts the world record for sportfish-caught halibut – a hefty 450 pounds.
Fishing in Anchorage doesn’t stop when the weather gets chilly – ice fishing is a popular past time for all ages. Many lakes around town including Beach, Campbell Point, Delong, Jewel and Mirror Lake are perfect for ice fishing. Several saltwater charter services also operate year-round for winter kings, cod and halibut fishing adventures.
Fishing licenses are about as easy to find as a cup of coffee – hopeful anglers can purchase them at a variety of locations around town including local hotels, sporting goods stores, retail chains and gas stations.
To see the complete “Field & Stream” article, visit http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/photogallery/article/0,13355,1206385,00.html.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and one-third goes to the Anchorage Civic and Convention construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
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Media Contacts:
Laura Tanis
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
ltanis@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118 direct
