This Ship Creek Fishing Report brings you fresh updates straight from downtown Anchorage’s favorite urban fishery. Throughout the season, we’ll be posting photos, conditions, and local insights to keep you in the loop on what’s running and how the bite’s been. Check back regularly for the latest from Ship Creek.

Short Silvers Window and the Quiet Winter Months

King salmon fishing at Ship Creek slowed substantially by August with the run winding down. The coho salmon run started to pick up in late August and early September but was a short window. Fishing season on Ship Creek is mostly over by mid-September with winter months quiet until early summer opens next year. This wraps up the Ship Creek 2025 season; see you next season!

Coho Action Slows at Ship Creek as Run Winds Down

August 15, 2025

Silver salmon fishing at Ship Creek has shifted as the run moved past its peak this past week. While limits are now less common and anglers have to work a bit harder, steady catches of coho are still happening, especially for those using roe under a bobber or casting spinners around incoming and outgoing tides. The freshest fish are usually found on the tide, and some pink salmon remain mixed in with the silvers. Most anglers report the action has slowed compared to the initial wave but remains worthwhile for those persistent with the right tactics.

A recent emergency order continues to allow a bag and possession limit of six salmon per day, with all six allowed to be coho (silver) salmon. There have been no major changes in regulations over the last week, so Ship Creek is still open for this more liberal limit due to the strong silver return this season. As always, check for the most current regulations before heading out, and enjoy the tail end of another great Ship Creek coho run.

Mix of Coho and Pink Salmon Keeps Rods Bending

August 9th, 2025

Ship Creek in Anchorage continues to deliver good silver salmon fishing in early August. Although the run has likely peaked, many anglers are still catching multiple fish, and the recent emergency order has increased the bag and possession limit for salmon other than king salmon to six per day. That means you can keep up to six coho if you land them. The most productive techniques right now are fishing roe under a bobber or casting medium-sized spinners during the incoming tide. Action has been consistent, and conditions favor those fishing around tide changes. With pink salmon mixed in, there’s nearly always something biting, making this urban fishery a prime pick for local anglers looking for strong late-summer salmon opportunities.

Sport Fishing Limits Increased on Ship Creek After Strong Coho Return

July 30, 2025

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has increased the sport fishing bag and possession limits for salmon other than king salmon in Ship Creek, Anchorage to six fish per day and six in possession for salmon 16 inches or longer. This emergency order is in effect from July 31 through December 31, 2025. The change follows a strong return of coho salmon, with nearly 1,100 fish counted upstream and more entering daily, exceeding hatchery and spawning needs. King salmon limits remain at one per day and one in possession. Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the surplus coho salmon now available in Ship Creek. See the emergency order here. 

End of July

July 29, 2025

Ship Creek continues to fish well as July draws to a close, with the Coho (silvers) salmon run gaining momentum and excellent angler turnout on the banks. Silvers have been arriving in good numbers, especially during incoming tides, and both spinners and jigs tipped with shrimp or roe have been producing solid results. Pink salmon have also added to the action, ensuring steady fishing opportunities for locals and visitors alike in downtown Anchorage.

Coho Rodeo Hosted by The Bait Shack

The 5th Annual Coho Rodeo, hosted by The Bait Shack on July 26, brought high energy and fierce competition, with the derby leaderboard seeing dramatic last-minute changes. Robert Rozelle landed the first fish at 7:06 am and later topped the heaviest stringer category with three coho totaling 20.80 pounds. Geoff Wells earned smallest fish honors with a 3.40-pound Coho, while James Hyun captured both the biggest (8.00 lbs.) and longest fish (28.5 inches), as well as second heaviest stringer with 20.35 lbs. Other notable stringers included catches from Vaughn Pacis (19.45 lbs.), Jacob Herring (18.90 lbs.), Caine Demers-Isidore (18.65 lbs.), and Chris Kalmakoff (18.35 lbs.), with the leaderboard shifting right up to the finish. Congratulations went out to all anglers who took part in this event!

With silver and pink salmon now providing excellent action, Ship Creek is expected to offer continued opportunities into early August. Anglers are advised to keep up with current regulations and tides, as conditions promise more rewarding days ahead on Alaska’s premier urban fishery.

July 19th, 2025

Between the Runs: Late Kings and Early Silvers

king salmon fishing on Ship Creek has slowed considerably as the run winds down. Most anglers are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first coho (silver) salmon, which are expected to start showing up in the coming weeks. Water levels remain low, so a careful and stealthy approach is important for success. If you’re still hoping to catch a lingering king or the first coho of the season, try using bright spinners, spoons, or roe fished near the bottom, especially around high tides. Remember that single, unbaited hooks and artificial lures are required through the end of July, so check the current regulations before heading out. Ship Creek continues to be a popular spot, so practicing good fishing etiquette and patience will go a long way.

June – Peak of the King Run

The king salmon run reached its peak and then began to taper off. Catch rates started to decline, but persistent anglers were still able to land some nice fish, particularly during strong tidal swings. As water levels dropped, salmon became more concentrated in deeper pools, making those areas the best places to target. Switching between bait and hardware, such as spinners, helped increase your chances as the run slowed down.

In early June, the king salmon run was building momentum. More fish entered the creek with each tide, and catch rates improved, especially for those fishing during high tides in the mornings. The lower reaches and mouth of Ship Creek were the most productive areas, and both roe and large, bright spinners worked well. The fishery was busy, so patience and respect for fellow anglers were important.

June 24th, 2025

2025 Slam’n Salm’n Derby

During the 2025 Slam’n Salm’n Derby at Ship Creek put on by The Bait Shack on June 22nd, a total of 220 king salmon were checked in, weighing a combined 3,263 pounds. The average fish weighed nearly 15 pounds and measured about 33 inches. The first fish of the derby was caught by Rachael Storh, while the smallest catch was a 1.35-pound king salmon landed by Cody Lyden. Anglers enjoyed strong participation and steady action throughout the event.

The top five heaviest kings showcased some impressive catches, led by Dana Mills with a 24.45-pound fish, earning him the top prize. Following him were William Gochanour (23.00 lbs), John Polonowski (22.70 lbs), Phil Pringle (22.60 lbs), and Lloyd Dahling (21.80 lbs). Division winners included William Gochanour in the Men’s Division, Cheri Brukardt in the Women’s, Dana Mills in the Military, and Brock Baker in the Youth category. Overall, the derby was a great success, bringing together anglers of all ages and skill levels to celebrate the king salmon run while supporting local charities.

Special recognition also went to Carol Myers, who caught the 49th fish of the derby and earned a 49th State Brewing gift card. The derby featured generous prizes for various milestones, including landing the first fish and the smallest fish.

Early Season – May

In late May, the first king salmon of the season were caught, marking the start of the Ship Creek king run. Fishing was slow but promising, and excitement was high as the annual Ship Creek Salmon Derby kicked off. Anglers using roe or bright spinners during high tide had the best luck. As always, a valid Alaska fishing license and king salmon stamp were required, and everyone was reminded to check for any emergency orders or updates to regulations.

For the most up-to-date information, always check the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before you go. Good luck and tight lines!

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