Ship Creek is the conduit for significant runs of king, silver and pink salmon. Fish arrive on the incoming tide. At high water eggs hung beneath a bobber seem to do the best. As the tide lowers and the creek narrows a fly rod is the right choice for working the riffles and narrowing channels. Much of the creek bottom is gravel and easy to traverse. But glacial silt and mud can capture a fisherman and hold him necessitating an embarrassing rescue. If you find yourself stuck, call for help immediately as tidal changes are dramatic and quick.
Elmendorf State Hatchery
The hatchery started in 1965 with three small circular wooden ponds. The present facility was built in 1976 and has 21; 10' X 60' concrete or aluminum rearing ponds called raceways. An agreement with the Elmendorf Air Force Base allows the hatchery to take excess heated water from the base power plant and combine it with surface water from Ship Creek to maintain a year-round rearing program. This warm water greatly accelerates the fish growth rate.
Salmon Viewing Area Hours: Late May through September, 8:00 AM till 10:00 PM. The salmon viewing area is adjacent to the hatchery and provides opportunities to see king salmon from late May through July, and coho salmon August through mid-September. This viewing area can be accessed from Post Road during salmon viewing hours.
