Alaska: an angler's adventure.

• Author: Berger, Michael
• Position: Alaska's Sports Ports Guide

Got a boat and need a place to drop it in?

Here's a list of Alaska sport ports, narrowed to 80 from the many thousands of possible "fishing holes," no matter how remote, that are accessible to any angler.

Because reaching the desired destination may not always be an easy task, fishermen in Alaska have gone to great lengths to land that prize-winning salmon. It isn't uncommon for some of the more hardy trophy hunters to fly in on float planes to spots that may yield that king-size fish.

Most fishermen, however, just want a place where they can drive out for a day or two and put their boats in the water without too much work. So, once you are in the specific region outlined below, these 80 ports can all be reached by car, and each offers some kind of facility for boat launching.

To make it easier to choose your destination, this listing includes: what type of fish can be found; what type launch site (lake, river, etc.); and for those not towing a boat with an R.V., what kind of lodging is available. To give more information, the list includes telephone numbers for information centers in each area. You'll also find that local Department of Fish and Game personnel are always happy to answer any questions.

Southeast

Southeast Alaska, from Ketchikan to Haines, is one of the world's hot-beds of fishing activity. Locals say that fish run so thick down here that instead of floating on top of the water, your boat may be supported by thousands of salmon trying to reach their birth place. In fact, the salmon are so thick during spawning season that you could probably cross some streams using the fish as stepping stones.

Anchorage/Matsu

Although the Anchorage/Matanuska-Susitna region is home to the majority of the state's population, the number of ports open to recreational fishermen is limited. The Anchorage area sports several sparkling creeks that offer great fishing from the banks, but are too small or too shallow for boats.

Lake fishing in Anchorage/MatSu offers a relaxing change from the "combat fishing" tactics wielded in a few of the local streams. Stocked with hearty rainbow trout and grayling, these lakes are enough to whet any angler's appetite for action.

If the serene surroundings of lake fishing are not enough for the outdoor enthusiast, bring along jet skis or hook up the tow rope and get out the water skis. There's room enough on area waterways for everyone.

Prince William Sound

The waters of Prince William Sound were made famous by the...