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Alaska's road system crosses a multitude of productive fisheries - especially in the Southcentral region of the state. While salmon are running, vacationers and locals alike congregate at productive creeks, streams and rivers to take part in the summer's bounty of fighting salmon.

The term "Combat Fishing" refers to fishing with large numbers of other people- often standing nearly shoulder to shoulder. Some good aspects of combat fishing are; there will probably lots of fish in the water, you'll learn about different techniques, and you will have the opportunity to meet some nice people. The drawbacks are that you have to quickly learn how to fish in these conditions to be successful.

There is a distinct art to combat fishing and providing you can catch on quickly, no pun intended, you'll probably have a great time. The following information is to help you understand some of the basics of fishing productive salmon waters during busy summer months.

Fishing tips for Roadside Anglers
Know the regulations. Prior to your trip, contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for current fishing regulations. Fishing regulation booklets and licenses are available at most all convenience and grocery stores. For Anglers fishing for king salmon, a king salmon tag is required by law to fish for this species. Fishing without a license is a finable offense.

Be prepared: Carry sufficient gear including: pliers for removing hooks, weights, tippet materials, hooks, flies, lures and even a back up rod and reel. There is nothing worse that running out of the proper materials when the fish are biting.

Wear a hat and protective eyewear. This is very important because most salmon fishing requires the use of larger hooks with a significant amount of weight to keep the lure or fly down on the river bottom where the fish are biting. Sometimes the lure, or weight, will get caught up on the river floor. In trying to get your rig free, you will have to apply serious tension on the line to try to get the lure free.

Note: the harder the tension put on the line, the faster the lure will spring out of the water. It is not uncommon to have a salmon rig zipping back at you at 100 MPH. It is very important for your safety, and the safety of the people around you, that you pay attention to this. A hat and eyewear is your first line of defense.

Catch and Release: The Alaska Department of fish and Game has a multitude of regulations in effect to help protect fisheries from over harvest. It is your responsibility as an active participant to become well versed in the rules of the waters you plan to fish. To ensure the health of the fish you will be releasing consider applying the following catch and release techniques.

· use strong line and properly-sized hooks
· land your catch quickly
· keep the fish in the water at all times
· do not let your catch flop over stones or land
· do not squeeze the fish, keep fingers away from gills and eyes
· handle your catch with wet hands
· back the hook out through its entry hole
· cradle the fish facing into the current
· revive the fish by gently moving it back and forth

Fisherman's Courtesy: If someone leaves a spot while fighting a fish, it's common courtesy to let him/her back into the spot if they come back.

King Salmon Tags: To fish for the mighty king salmon, anglers must purchase a king salmon tag for $15. The proceeds of the tag goes toward the fisheries enhancement and upkeep. Upon harvesting a king salmon, anglers must write in the requested information on the tag. Always carry a pen while king fishing because failure to fill out the information can carry a stringent fine.

Insect Repellent: Always include insect repellent in your gear. Even if mosquitoes are not present, you will be happy you have it when they do appear.

Watch Your Footing: Alaska's fisheries all have diverse settings. Be very cautious of where you plant your feet while fishing. Strong river currents can easily sweep a person downstream.

Great road accessible fishing in Southcentral Alaska

Montana Creek: Located at milepost 96.5 on the Parks Highway, Montana Creek can produce some truly exciting fishing action for multiple species. This creek provides excellent road accessible fishing for king salmon (June - July), silver salmon (July - August), pink salmon (July - August), Chum Salmon (July - August), rainbow trout and grayling (June-September). Montana Creek boasts ample camping and RV parking, groceries and gas services during all summer months. Throughout the king salmon season, this is a weekend fishery only.

Willow Creek: Located at milepost 71.4 off the Parks Highway, Willow Creek is a favorite fishing destination for locals and travelers alike. This creek experiences great fishing for king salmon (June - July), silver salmon (August), pink salmon (July - August), Chum Salmon (July - August), rainbow trout (May-September). Willow Creek has great access for anglers of all ages and abilities. Good availability for camping and RV parking, groceries and general supplies are available within 4 miles from the campground.

Ship Creek: Located in the north end of downtown Anchorage, Ship Creek is truly a site to see during king salmon season. Ship Creek is the only urban king salmon fishery in the world. The creek experiences a healthy return of king salmon (June and July) and a strong run of silver salmon (July - September). The best fishing traditionally occurs 1 hour before and several hours after high tide, although low tide can be equally as fun. Ample pay parking is available and several vendors sell the preferred bait and tackle. One word of caution, due to the tidal nature of this fishery, the creek banks are mostly mud. Take great care where you plant your feet.

Bird Creek: Located approximately 25 miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway, this fishery is a true local favorite. Bird Creek is well known for producing a great run of feisty silver salmon. This fishery traditionally begins in early July and ends in early September, with the run peaking in mid July to mid August. The creek also experiences a big run of pink salmon. There is some camping available. Most parking occurs along the Seward Highway. Fishing is traditionally best with the tides. Proceed with caution while fishing bigger tides, often the water level can rise up very quickly.

Russian River: The Russian River lies in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, 111 road miles south of Anchorage via the Seward and Sterling highways in Cooper Landing. Although this fishery can be "Combat Fishing" during summer sockeye runs, catch rates on the Russian can be downright amazing. This beautiful river experiences two incredible runs of sockeye or red salmon that keep fish in the river from (June through August). A good return of Silver Salmon appears (July - September). The Russian and Kenai Rivers boast one of the best opportunities to catch trophy rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Rainbow trout are catch and release only. Anglers must familiarize themselves with the current ADF&G regulations. Camping, accommodations and groceries are all available in Cooper Landing.

Kasilof River: Located on Milepost 109 of the Sterling Highway. The Kasilof River is an immensely popular road accessible fishery. Excellent fishing for king salmon (June-July), silver salmon (August-September), and red salmon (July-August). This fishery also includes a healthy run of steelhead and Dolly Varden. Campground and boat launches are located on the river. Lodging, guide services, tackle and groceries are all available nearby. While catch rates of guided fisherman are high, this river is relatively easy to bank fish for people of all ages and abilities.

Anchor River: This pristine river is located at milepost 156.9 of the
Sterling Highway just north of Homer Alaska. Beautiful campgrounds, incredible views and great fishing make this a premium destination. Fish for king salmon (June-July), silver salmon (August), pink salmon (July-August), Dolly Varden, rainbow trout and steelhead are also present in the river. A campground, RV facilities, gas, groceries and tackle are all available in the area.