Fishing Campbell Creek on May 10th

Question

Will Campbell Creek or Ship Creek be fishable by the 10th? I've only got one day to catch a fish to add Alaska to my bucket list of a fish in all 50 states. Is the ice off the lakes around Anchorage and would it be better to fish one of the stocked lakes that early in the season?

Answer

By May 10th in Anchorage, fishing conditions in Campbell Creek and Ship Creek can be a bit variable due to spring runoff and lingering cold temperatures, but it is generally possible to fish. Ice on the larger lakes in the Anchorage area is usually off by early May, though smaller, shaded ponds may still have patches of ice or cold water temperatures.

Campbell Creek

Campbell Creek typically has accessible fishing by early May. You can target resident trout species such as rainbow trout.
Water levels may be higher and faster from snowmelt, which can make wading tricky and may reduce catch rates.
Early season hatches are limited, so using bait (salmon eggs, worms, or PowerBait) is often more effective than flies.

Ship Creek

Ship Creek is famous for early-season king salmon runs, though peak king fishing may not occur until mid to late May.
By May 10th, you might catch early returning silver salmon or resident rainbow trout.
It is more accessible and doesn’t require much hiking or wading, making it ideal for a one-day bucket list trip.

Stocked Lakes

Anchorage has several stocked lakes managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, including Cheney Lake, Goose Lake, and DeLong Lake.
Stocked lakes are generally stocked in the spring and are often the easiest option for early-season fishing, especially if your goal is to catch a fish without much effort.
These lakes are ideal for a reliable catch and a more relaxed day, particularly if you are only in Anchorage for one day.

Recommendation

For a first-time Alaskan fishing experience on May 10th with limited time, heading to a stocked lake is the safest option to guarantee a catch. If you prefer a creek experience, Ship Creek offers good accessibility, while Campbell Creek is slightly more remote but also fishable. Bring bait appropriate for trout, check the ADFG regulations for bag limits, and be prepared for cold weather and potentially fast water.