Fishing query

Question

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a place where you can just rent fishing gear and go fishing yourself in Alaska, in a river maybe, preferably around the Icy Straits area or Anchorage. Organised fishing trips are unjustifiably expensive and I honestly just want to take my son (12) once or twice for the experience. I won't even be fishing myself, just for him because he loves it. Can anyone recommend anything?

Thanks

Answer

Fishing in Alaska can be an incredible experience for kids, and there are a few ways to do it without booking an expensive guided trip. Since you’re looking for a more casual experience—where you can just rent gear and fish in rivers near Anchorage or the Icy Strait area—there are options available for that type of adventure.

1. Anchorage Area – River Fishing for Kids

Anchorage has several rivers that are suitable for casual fishing, especially for young anglers. Many of these spots are accessible from the city and allow shore fishing, so you won’t need a boat or a guide if your goal is just to give your son some fun.

Ship Creek: Right in downtown Anchorage, Ship Creek is famous for king salmon and silver salmon. There are public access points along the creek, and it’s perfect for kids. During the summer, you can often see other young anglers enjoying the river.
Eagle River: About 20–25 minutes from downtown Anchorage. It has accessible banks, and gear rental can be arranged from local tackle shops or nearby outfitters.
Russian Jack Springs Park / Chester Creek: Smaller streams, great for introducing kids to fishing and easy to reach without driving far.

Nearby tackle shops and outfitters often rent gear, including rods, reels, and bait. Some options in Anchorage:

Alaska Fishing Gear Rental (offers rods, reels, and tackle)
Gorsuch’s Outfitters – sometimes have rental equipment for casual fishing
Local bait and tackle shops along the main roads – they can recommend rivers and loan gear for a day

2. Icy Strait Area – Accessible Fishing for Kids

The Icy Strait area near Hoonah and Gustavus offers excellent salmon fishing, though most people book guided trips. However, there are some options for casual shore or dock fishing where you can rent gear:

Hoonah docks / small harbor areas: You can often fish from the docks, especially for pink salmon during July and August. Check with local marinas about gear rental.
Glacier Bay National Park shoreline (Gustavus side): You can fish from shore in certain areas with a valid Alaska fishing license. Some small outfitters rent gear for casual anglers.

3. General Tips

Purchase a valid Alaska fishing license for your son (required for anyone over 16, but some areas may require a youth license for those under 16).
Call ahead to gear rental shops to ensure availability, especially in summer months.
Focus on rivers or accessible docks for safety and convenience; no need to hire a boat if your goal is to introduce your son to fishing.
Summer months (June–August) are best for salmon, while early summer also has trout in many rivers near Anchorage.

4. Recommended Approach

Rent a rod and tackle from a local shop in Anchorage or near Hoonah.
Head to Ship Creek, Eagle River, or a local dock near Icy Strait for a casual day of fishing.
Bring a small cooler for catches and enjoy a relaxed, kid-friendly experience without the cost of a full guided trip.

By doing this, your son can experience the thrill of Alaska fishing without the expense and scheduling of organized trips, and you can spend as much or as little time as you like.

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