Bird Creek Chum Salmon Run
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2004 Season: Open Year
Round
Average Size: 6-12 lbs. up to 18
Limit: 3 salmon daily/3 possession
Run Size: moderate
Escapement: not available |
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About the Run
The most remarkable thing about the Bird Creek Chum Salmon
is that this is the only place in the Anchorage area where you have
a good chance of hooking into one. This run is made up entirely wild
fish. Unfortunately, I can find any hard numbers for how many adults
return each day, but this is a moderate run at any rate.
These hard fighting fish average from 6 to 12 pounds and should test
you silver or pink salmon outfits. They aren’t much for eating
but are willing biters and strong fighters. Also, their camo-striped
spawning colors have a subtle beauty. This is not the best place in
Alaska to catch them, but it is your most likely location near Anchorage.
Otherwise the Susitna River system north of Anchorage has some decent
chum runs.
When to Fish
Chums start returning to Bird Creek in late June and peak in the middle
of July through the first week or so of August. You should still be
able to pick up a straggler into early September.
Fish them on the incoming tides. Remember, at high tide it is basically
impossible to fish on Bird Creek because the entire stream bed is tidewater
area. So
Regulations
The daily limit is three salmon per day with three in possession. All
three salmon can be chums or any combination of Silvers, Sockeyes, Pinks,
or chums. But then again, why would you take three chums home. Short
of smoking they are not a very palletable fish. Note King Salmon are
present in Bird Creek but King fishing is not allowed in the creek.
All accidentally caught Kings must be immediately returned to the water.
Fishing is open year round from the mouth of the Creek to the marker
about 500 yards up stream of the mouth. There are no special regulations
for terminal tackle or bait. Roe either weighted or under a bobber would
also be a good solution.
Note: Alaskan Sportfishing regulations
change greatly from year to year, even day to day with emergency orders.
Be sure to always check for the most up to date regulations from the
ADFG.
Recommended Gear
Bird Creek does have the potential of being a combat fishing zone but
it probably isn’t necessary to gear up too much to fish here.
8 to 15 pound test line on a spinning reel with a good drag would be
fine. For Flyfishing use a 7 or 8 weight rod with an 8 to 12 pound tippet.
For terminal tackle, try using a little extra flash due to the semi-silty
waters. Try using a small amount of roe on lures to give an attractive
scent.
A recommended tackle box would include.
Artificial Lures
Coho Flies
Spoons
Vibrax or Mepps Spinners
Bait
Salmon Eggs
Bobbers
Weights
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