Fishing has traditionally been a very important part of the lives of the native Unangax and Alutiiq people of the Cook Peninsula. The modern-day city of Anchorage was founded in 1914 when the Alaska Railroad was built. Fishing continues to play a major role in the lives of its citizens. Today, fishing permits are regulated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Numerous mountain rivers drain into the Cook Peninsula where Anchorage is located. It is to these rivers that salmon return each year to spawn. A number of lakes are also located near Anchorage.
Anchorage rivers and lakes offer king salmon, silver (coho) salmon, pink salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Verden, pike, grayling, smelt and whitefish.
Jewel Lake is a 26-acre lake located just south of Anchorage. It is annually stocked with rainbow trout, landlocked salmon and arctic char. Ship Creek is located right outside downtown Anchorage and is home to the annual Ship Creek Salmon Fishing Derby held each summer. Heading south along the interstate from Anchorage to Seward is the Twenty Mile River. Fishing can be done anywhere along the side of the road. Bird Creek is a tidal river that is 27 miles south of Anchorage near the village of Indian.
Fishing is good all year-round in Anchorage. In April smelt season begins on the Twenty Mile River. Salmon season runs from May to October. In winter, ice fishing is popular on frozen Anchorage lakes and rivers.
