Chester Creek

The feel

Chester Creek runs through Anchorage, and the stretch near Behm/APU Lake holds rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Fishing there should be fair.

The creek is a resident trout stream. Along the South Fork, the trout gather around spawning salmon, and salmon fishing in the Chester Creek drainage is closed year-round. The drainage includes East and West Chester Lagoon and University Lake, and more than 27 Anchorage area lakes and streams are stocked with rainbow trout.

What to expect

Water and access

A creek near Behm/APU Lake in Anchorage.

Species and timing

Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Fishing should be fair.

License and rules

Closed year-round to all salmon fishing. Open to fishing except for salmon from June 15 to April 14, and closed to all sport fishing April 15 to June 14. The limit is 5 rainbow trout per day, and only 1 may be 20 inches or longer. A kept rainbow 20 inches or longer must be recorded immediately.

Season and access

Open June 15 to April 14.

Mingo says

Fish it between June 15 and April 14, when the drainage is open. Wait out the spring closure.

Before you go

• Confirm the current rules with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Anchorage office before you cast.
• Do not fish for salmon here; the drainage is closed to salmon all year.
• Record any rainbow 20 inches or longer you keep, right away.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.