If you've got an identification card giving you access to the military bases, you have a ticket for a multitude of fishing opportunities.
With substantial numbers of active and retired military personnel living in Chugiak-Eagle River, the close locale of the bases means easy access to day fishing with the potential for less combat fishing than in some off-base locations.
Active duty members and their dependents fish for free at both bases. At Fort Richardson, there is a $5 fee for retirees and civilians. There is no charge on Elmendorf for retirees or other authorized users.
Of course, you must have a current fishing license and then get the appropriate base stamp from the outdoor recreation offices at each base.
In the past, fishing on Fort Richardson was open to civilians who did not have military identification. Due to current security concerns, that privilege is suspended. But authorized users can escort non-ID cardholders. So, it pays to have some buddies on active duty.
Both bases - Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base - have lakes stocked with rainbow trout by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Green and Fish Lakes, both on Elmendorf AFB, were stocked on July 1, said Bob Braun, an outdoor recreation specialists with the 3rd Services Outdoor Recreation program on Elmendorf. A release of 3,000 rainbow trout and 2,000 king salmon went into Green Lake.
That's a handy bit of information for trout anglers looking for some action, he said.
Otter Lake on Fort Richardson was stocked in early June with 6,500 rainbow trout.
It is perhaps the most frequented of the base lakes.
This is due mainly to the services available there, said Jackie Leseman, outdoor recreation director at Fort Richardson.
Ten cabins and approximately 20 campsites are available for rent. The boathouse facility offers a myriad of craft from paddleboats to canoes and electric propelled skiffs. Float tubes are also available.
Otter isn't a real deep lake. Its average depth is just a little more than 5.5 feet and with more than 1.5 miles of shoreline there is plenty of room for many anglers.
Otter Lake is also a national wildlife and loon sanctuary. Several sections of the lake are marked off limits and severe fines are imposed for intruding into those areas.
That shouldn't be a problem, if boaters and anglers pay attention to signage, said Leseman.
"It is clearly marked," she said. "You just have to stay out of those areas marked."
Despite the conservatory limitations, Otter Lake proves to be the recreation choice for many who just want to get away for the day.
Allen Cain, whose wife is on active duty, teaches fly-fishing courses through the base outdoor recreation programs.
"It is far enough away, except when they are flying the fighter jets, that you feel as if you are truly are in the wilderness," he said.
And you can't beat the price, he said.
"It is a really good environment for people who are getting their first exposure to fishing in Alaska," he said, noting that equipment rentals at the Otter Lake Boat House are kept in good condition and aren't expensive enough to bust a family budget. "There are also some good size fish out there."
True enough, agrees Leseman, who said the biggest rainbow for 2003 was just a bit more than five pounds.
"That is a pretty nice rainbow," she said.
A rainbow derby is being held on Otter Lake throughout July. Entry fee is $10 and the owner of the biggest fish gets a $50 gift certificate for equipment rental.
Cain also likes Hillberg Lake on Elmendorf.
Elmendorf's outdoor recreation program keeps a couple of rowboats at the lake located near the base ski area. To rent the boats, go to the outdoor recreation offices located in building 7301 accessible from 13th Street. The lake was stocked with 2,500 rainbow trout and 2,000 landlocked kings this year. It's a small lake with just more than a half-mile of shoreline and an average depth of 12.5 feet.
Another fishable lake on Elmendorf is Upper Six Mile Lake. It has rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and salmon. But the salmon are pretty much off limits.
That's because the red salmon run on Six Mile Creek coming in from the Knik Arm is relatively small.
For a couple short weeks at the end of July and first part of August, red salmon fishing is allowed at the mouth of the Six Mile Creek. But there isn't a whole lot of space at this creek, which could be described as a little sister to muddy Ship Creek. A rope cable across the creek serves as the marker for upstream fishing limit. Depending on tides, it doesn't leave much room for anglers to jostle and the boot sucking mud is close by. Add in the annual presence of brown bears and you might not find the most ideal red salmon fishing spot, said Braun. But it is close and popular with diehards, especially those who don't want to drive down to the Russian and fight crowds there.
Perhaps one of the most versatile lakes on the bases is Clunie Lake on Fort Richardson. It has 2.7 miles of shoreline. It's average depth is about 11 feet and it is the only lake where gas powered motors - up to six horses - are allowed.
"There is a small launch area there," said Leseman. "It is nothing fancy, but it's there."
Clunie Lake offers a fabulous view of Mount Baldy and three varieties of fish for angling.
Fish and Game stocked 2,500 rainbow trout, 3,000 landlocked salmon and 4,500 arctic char this year. Tent camping is allowed.
"It isn't far to a truly Alaskan experience," said Leseman. "And it won't cost nearly what it would in the civilian sector."
The lakes on Fort Richardson are within exercise training areas. It's a good idea to call ahead for any closure. Call 384-0437 for a recorded message of training closures. The Outdoor Recreation program at Fort Richardson is reached by calling 384-1475. The Elmendorf Outdoor Recreation program is reached at 552-2023.
