Community engagement and collaboration, Recreational access
Anchorage Urban Fishing Program

States

Alaska

Our Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program started the Anchorage Urban Fishing Program in 2011 to help Anchorage youth and their caregivers develop safe fishing skills near home.

Learning opportunities focus around fishing techniques, cooking the catch, and outdoor safety/preparedness. The strategy centers on repeat interactions with kids within and across years; building competence and competence; fun, food, and comradery, and staff consistency. The summer starts with simple lake fishing techniques using closed reels and bobbers and, as the summer program progresses, we transition to river fishing in current for wild trout and salmon using larger open reels and rods. We focus on breaking down barriers by helping participants overcome fear of outdoor situations through hands-on demonstrations and repetitive training in classroom and outdoor settings. Safety training includes cold-water safety, fording rivers, proper life jacket use, basic first aid, orienteering, filing a float plan, and being safe around wildlife.

Virtual Youth Fish and Wildlife Club was created as a virtual alternative to this fishing program when COVID-19 hit in 2020 to stay connected with Anchorage youth and bridge the time between fishing. We have public Zooms on Wednesdays featuring guests and fish and wildlife-related topics!

Facilities

Alaska Region Headquarters
Our regional headquarters is primarily comprised of administrative offices, law enforcement, and the offices of our regional leadership. At this location, you can find staff from our Alaska Migratory Birds Office, Alaska Marine Mammals Office, Conservation Genetics Lab, Ecological Services (...
Administrative Office
Anchorage,AK

News

man standing by a river in rain gear
How To Cross A River
Alaska’s rivers are no joke. Beautiful, yes. Forgiving, no. If you’re planning to fish, hunt, or otherwise traverse Alaska’s lands and waters, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself on a riverbank. We have put together some information on how to safely cross Alaska's beautiful waterways.
Story
Recreation

Contact

woman standing by fireweed and an old train
Public Affairs Specialist
Office of Communications
Expertise
Fish,
Urban programming,
Refuges (southern Alaska),
Endangered Species Act/Ecological Services,
Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration,
Digital Media
Area
AK
Anchorage,AK

Programs

A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
Program
Washington,DC
Juvenile Northern Pike in aquarium at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery, South Dakota
The Fish and Aquatic Conservation program leads aquatic conservation efforts for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We are committed to tackling the nation’s highest priority aquatic conservation and recreational challenges to conserve, restore, and enhance fisheries for future generations.
Program
Falls Church,VA
Herd of elk standing on top of hill
The Office of Communications program is the primary "voice" of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, communicating with the public, partners, and Congress. We share the Service story with the public and media through websites, social media, and news releases. We also work with Congress, partners, and...
Program
Washington,DC

Partners