Twenty-five miles south of northeast of Anchorage you will find the man-made Eklutna Tailrace. Part of a hydroelectric generating station that eventually rejoins with the Knik River, the tailrace is stocked with Dolly Varden plus silver, pink, chum, and king salmon. The area is easy to access with a spacious parking area, and the tailrace has almost no regulations, meaning it can be fished for salmon when other areas shut down or otherwise prohibit fishing that species.
The main fishing area is a popular spot to set up a lawn chair and fish from shore. You’ll have plenty of company. There is an accessible bridge that crosses the tailrace and accessible fishing pads on both sides that fill up fast. There are little nooks along the shore, so you can find your perfect fishing spot to relax the day away. Sportfishing is allowed for a one-half mile from Old Glenn Highway downstream to the Knik River.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to fish where shadows are cast upon the waters, giving the fish a place to hide. Locals find that salmon roe or standard Alaska fishing lures will bring you the most luck. Brightly colored lures are easier for the fish to see in the murky waters. While summer is the best time to catch salmon, the fall is beautiful with fewer crowds.
