Ship Creek Silver Salmon Run
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2005 Season: Not released
yet
Average Size: 7-12 lbs. up to 18
Limit: 3 daily
Run Size: 14,000 – 15,000
Escapement: 700-800 |
Image Provided by FWS Image Library
If you have a picture of a Ship Creek King
you would like to share, let us know. |
About the Ship Creek Silver Salmon Run
The Silver Salmon Fishery on Ship Creek is an artificial hatchery run
supported by the Urban Coho Stocking Program that also stocks the Bird
Creek, Campbell Creek and Eklutna
Tailrace fisheries. The entire run is provided by returning hatchery
fish. The average run size is 14,000 to 15,000 salmon. But in 2000,
over 26,000 silvers returned to the creek.
Returning fish average 7-12 pounds but can approach 20 pounds. They
are strong fighters, willing biters and wonderful on the table –
the perfect fish. Thanks to the ADFG’s Urban Coho Program for
this great fishing opportunity.
When to Fish
Ship Creek’s Silver Salmon start returning in early July but don’t
reach their peak numbers until mid-August. Fish remain present in small
numbers through October but numbers start tailing off after September.
The best time of day to fish for Silvers is on the rising or falling
tides but any time of day can be successful. Unlike the King Salmon
season, there are no daily closures so you can fish them around the
clock. So you can fish any tide change.
Regulations
The daily limit of three silvers lets you get plenty of fishing action.
Also the lack of the daily closures enforced during the King season
gives plenty of flexibility. Fishing is allowed from Ship Creek’s
mouth upstream to the cable 100 feet below the dam. Tackle is pretty
much wide open on Ship Creek, bait and multiple hooks are allowed.
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
Because this is a combat fishing situation, you will want to gear a
little heavier than you usually would when fishing for Silvers. Despite
the fact that the Silvers are considerably smaller than the Kings, we
still recommend 20 pound test line because of the other lines crowding
the water. If you need proof that you need heavier line, check the backs
of the fish below the dam. Many of them are trailing lures and lines.
Here is a list of recommended tackle box.
Artificial Lures
Coho Flies
Spoons
Vibrax or Mepps Spinners
Bait
Salmon Eggs
Bobbers
Weights
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Ship Creek Silver Salmon Derby
The Ship Creek Salmon Derbies
are back on! At the eleventh hour, a coalition of sponsers have
come together to create the Downtown Soup Kitchen's Slammin’
Salmon King Salmon Derby.
The Dates for the 2005 Derby will be August 5th
until August 14th. The grand prize will be a $10,000 trip to a
Wrangell Lodge. More details will come.
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