With more than a quarter-million people and plenty of box stores, Anchorage would look like any other small city in America if not for the surrounding mountains, waterways, coastal habitat and wildlife. In fact, the city gets so much animal exposure that many residents take visitors on moose-sighting tours to neighborhood parks and greenbelts, rather than the vast wilderness beyond city lights. Ron Smith, aka The Fly Guy, offers in-town fishing trips.
Some people even make a living on urban wildlife.
Ron and Mary Smith started the business a few summers ago but look forward to a busy year of guiding clients to hot fishing sites from as far north as Talkeetna all the way down to the Russian River. While at popular spots like Taku Lake, Little Campbell Lake and Jewel Lake, they catch rainbow trout, arctic char, grayling, salmon and other fish. For other good fish stories, try combat fishing on Ship Creek downtown or get a peek at salmon and water birds at the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge on the Seward Highway just south of the city. Arctic terns, Canada geese, trumpeter swans, grebes, ducks, gulls and other waterfowl meander and nest near the refuge boardwalk while salmon stream underneath. Visitors will be able to watch the creation of Native clothing.