Ninilchik, Alaska

For as long as I can remember, our family drove four hours south of Anchorage every summer weekend to Ninilchik. There are two salmon streams here: the Ninilchik River and Deep Creek. About a 20 minute drive south there is also Anchor River. King salmon fishing opens Memorial Day weekend and continues for 2-3 more weekends. (King fishing runs longer on other rivers, including the Kenai, so please check the fishing regulations. The silver salmon run generally begins mid-August and lasts about a month or so, with abundant steelhead trout as well. There are many business that offer ocean halibut and salmon fishing, or even guided river fishing trips.

Russian Roots

Ninilchik began as a Russian village, and it’s name means “peaceful settlement by a river”. Built in 1900, a charming Russian orthodox church sits atop a bluff overlooking the mouth of the Ninilchik River and the rustic Ninilchik village. The small fishing community is between miles 134 and 138 of the Sterling Highway. There are beautiful views of the volcanos Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Illiamna and if you visit there in the late fall (late September) you may get some views of the Northern Lights (auroras) on a clear, crisp night.

For accommodation, there are numerous B&B locations or all-purpose fish cabins available. There are also several campgrounds with spots for tent or RV camping. For more info, visit: www.ninilchikchamber.com