Twentymile River

The feel

Twentymile River offers salmon and hooligan fishing near Girdwood. It is the most popular place for Anchorage residents to find hooligan, and the run marks the start of the fishing season in Southcentral Alaska.

Most fishing is from the banks. If you want to get away from the crowds, a jet boat takes you up river to the best fishing.

What to expect

Water and access

A river near Girdwood with small gravel parking spaces near the mouth. Fish from the banks, or use a jet boat to head up river.

Species and timing

Hooligan (smelt) April through May, with run timing highly variable. Silver salmon mid summer to fall.

Methods and gear

Waders, a dipnet and a cooler are recommended for hooligan.

License and rules

Dipnetting for hooligan requires being an Alaska resident with an updated fishing license. There are no possession or bag limits for personal use. The hooligan season runs to May 31 in saltwater and June 15 in fresh water.

Crowds and best time

Popular with Anchorage residents during the hooligan run.

Parking

Small gravel parking spaces near the mouth, in a lot on the Turnagain Arm side of the Seward Highway. Parking is limited.

Bathrooms and water

There is no trash service, so pack out your trash.

Season and access

Hooligan April through May; silver salmon mid summer to fall.

Mingo says

Aim for April through May for hooligan. Anglers generally favor the incoming tide, when the fish use it to move up the river. A strong run can make the tide matter less.

Before you go

• Pack waders, a dipnet and a cooler.
• Carry an updated Alaska fishing license; hooligan dipnetting requires Alaska residency.
• Pack out all trash; the lot has no trash service.

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