Eight miles out from Wasilla, in the Anchorage Borough, the Knik River region is rich with fishing spots for silver, red, and king salmon. Chances of a bite are high no matter if you’re spin-ning, baitcating, or fly fishing. Other fish species in the Knik River region include Pink Salmon, Chum Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike. Many anglers classify the Knik River and a fishing destination of choice when visiting Alaska.
The Knik, Matanuska, and Little Susitna Rivers are areas in the Knik River region. There are natural and stocked fish in these glacial-fed waters. The Knik River Region has various fishing spots, including the Eklutna Tailrace, which offers shore fishing in waters with little current. Other tributaries contain Class III and Class IV rapids that can be tricky if you are not experienced. The Knik Arm is a large body of water where anglers can fish for King Salmon – you can keep five fish over 20 inches long per year.
While this area can get pretty crowded in the warmer months, secluded camping and fishing can be found on the “Alascom Road,” where you can launch a canoe on several smaller lakes stocked with trout and grayling.
It’s important to keep track of the current regulations in all areas and pay attention to the Alaska markers where one body of water flows into another. For example, the Jim Creek drainage area only allows fishing on certain days and hours; other areas are closed entirely to fishing or restricted on what species you can keep. Don’t let this discourage you, as there is no shortage of fishing options around Knik.