Fish Facts & Family Fun - Campbell Creek

Length: 112 miles (includes forks and major tributaries)

Watershed: 78 square miles

Major body of water: Campbell Lake

Annual fish catch: 3,000 coho, 4,200 rainbow trout (ADF&G)

Campbell Creek begins its journey from an alpine source high in the Chugach Mountains and flows relatively undisturbed through Bicentennial Park and then through many of Anchorage’s residential neighborhoods before spilling into the marine waters of Turnagain Arm and Cook Inlet. The Campbell Creek watershed consists of three main waterbodies: Campbell Creek, Little Campbell Creek, and Campbell Lake. Campbell Creek itself is comprised of two main forks which form the mainstem approximately 8 miles upstream from Campbell Lake. Little Campbell Creek drains off the main creek about 2 miles upstream from its confluence with Campbell Creek. Campbell Lake is a man-made water body covering about 126 acres located near the mouth of Campbell Creek.

Campbell Creek is often considered to be the most intact of all Anchorage creeks with its greenbelts, limited channel modifications, and undisturbed areas in Far North Bicentennial Park. In addition to containing healthy wild salmon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) annually stocks the creek with Coho salmon and trout. Along with local fishing Campbell Creek’s many greenbelts and access points offer numerous recreational and wildlife viewing opportunities for residents and visitors.

Of note: Both brown and black bears are found in the Campbell Creek watershed, especially Bicentennial Park. Park users and fishers should be alert along noisy streams, in thick brush and when visibility is poor. Go to Living with Wildlife for more information.