Other Ship Creek Fishing
King and Silver Salmon make up the majority of the fishery on Ship Creek.
There is a moderate run of Pink Salmon on even years, a few Chum Salmon
and an occasional stray Sockeye Salmon. Perhaps if the dams are removed
and natural flows are restored, wild reproduction might increase these
runs a little.
Besides the Salmon, there are a few sea run Dolly Varden that come into
the Creek and there is a catch and release Fishery for Rainbow Trout
above the dam. Here is a brief overview of the Pink Salmon Run and the
Rainbow Trout fishing.
Ship Creek Pink Salmon Run
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Pink Salmon
Average Size: 3-5 lbs.
Limit: 3 daily -any species but kings
Runs: on even years
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Image Provided by FWS Image Library
If you have a picture of a Ship Creek Humpy
you would like to share, let us know. |
The Pink Salmon in Ship Creek is a naturally reproducing population.
Like many Pink Salmon populations, there is a two year cycle with even
number years producing considerably more returning fish.
The Pinks start showing up in noticeable numbers in July, peaking in
the late July to mid-August. They are definitely less numerous than
the silvers that are running at the same time.
Pink Salmon regulations are the same as Silver Salmon that run at approximately
the same time. Note the limit of Salmon on Ship Creek are three in combination.
So a total of three salmon of any species (except for Kings which are
closed to fishing by the time the Pinks are running in numbers.)
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.
Gear Recommendations
Pink Salmon are a great light tackle challenge. They readily bite and,
pound for pound, fight as hard as any of their larger cousins. However,
this is not the place to pull out the light lines. Pink Salmon are just
incidental catches on Ship Creek. Keep the tackle large and aim for
the silvers. Pinks will hit the same lures and bait rigs that you would
fish for Silvers, so check the Silver Gear Recommendations and go with
them.
Ship Creek Rainbow Trout
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Rainbow Trout
Average Size: 1-3 lbs.
Limit: Catch and Realease Only
Numbers: small
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Image Provided by FWS Image Library
If you have a picture of a Ship Creek Rainbow
you would like to share, let us know. |
Upstream of the dam are 26 miles of catch and release only Rainbow Trout
waters. The fishing is not stellar by any means. The stretch immediately
upstream of the dam are not pristine and are actually closed when it
passes through the Elmendorf Air Force Base. In General, you should
pass on the this fishery. Campbell Creek offers better fishing and more
accessible green spaces. For trophy rainbows, try getting away from
Anchorage.
If you still want to try for a trout or two, remember that only artificial,
single hook lures and flies are allowed. Be sure to check the current
regulations before heading out.
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