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Anchor River State Recreation Area and Stariski State Recreation Site(Kenai Peninsula)

Anchor Point History

The first written descriptions of the land and people of the Kenai Peninsula are found in the 1778 journals from the British sponsored expedition of Captain James Cook. According to legend, Anchor Point got its name when Captain Cook lost an anchor near the mouth of the river.

Homesteading began in the Anchor River area in the early 1900's. They came from Homer, to the south, and Kenai and Ninilchik, to the north, and survived by hunting, fishing, and farming. They were a hardy lot and many of them and their descendants still live in the area.

Wildlife abounds around the Anchor River, with moose, beaver, mink, bald eagles and a variety of ducks along the river, and harbor seals, sea otters, and beluga whales near shore in Cook Inlet.

Across Cook Inlet from Anchor Point three of seven volcanoes bordering the inlet can be seen. To the south, Mount Augustine, then Mount Iliamna, and Mount Redoubt to the north. Mount Augustine's last eruption was in March 1986; Mount Redoubt's latest eruption was in March 2009. No eruption of Mount Iliamna has ever been recorded.

Anchor Point, where Anchor River State Recreation Area is located, is the most westerly point on the U.S. Highway System.

Stariski State Recreation Site is situated on a high bluff overlooking Cook Inlet, offering spectacular views of Mount Augustine, Mount Iliamna and Mount Redoubt. The park is five miles north of Anchor Point with nine individual camp sites. A small, quiet campground away from the crowds. There is no fishing at Stariski SRS.

Fishing Information

The Anchor River is one of Alaska's premier fishing areas. Please consult current fishing regulations provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for information on seasons, closures, limits, and methods and means before you wet your line.

The Anchor River supports runs of king, silver, and pink salmon, as well as Dolly Varden and steelhead.

The king salmon run is the most popular fishery. The run begins in late May and peaks in the second week in June. Flies, spinners, and salmon eggs are the most popular methods for catching the king of salmon.

Dolly Varden begins running early in July and continues throughout the summer. Flies, spinners, and salmon eggs work best for catching this species of char.

Pink Salmon runs begin in mid-July and run into August. Larger runs of pink salmon occur on even numbered years. Flies and spinners work best for catching these salmon.

Silver salmon begin running at the end of July and run until the beginning of September. Salmon eggs, spinners and flies are used for catching silvers, with salmon eggs being the most popular.

Steelhead runs begin in late August and continue into October. This aggressive and prized fish is pursued by the hardiest of anglers with fly fishing being the most popular and successful method.

Source: Alaska State Parks.

For more information on Alaska State Parks, visit the Alaska State Parks web site.

Alaska National Parks

Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Alaska State Parks by Name

Anchor River State Recreation Area and Stariski SRS, Birch Lake State Recreation Site, Caines Head State Recreation Area and Resurrection Bay State Marine Parks, Captain Cook State Recreation Area, Chena River State Recreation Area, Chena River State Recreation Site, Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Chugach State Park, Clam Gulch State Recreation Area, Deep Creek State Recreation Area, Delta Junction Area State Parks, Denali State Park, Haines Area State Parks, Harding Lake State Recreation Area, Independence Mine State Historical Park, Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park, Kasilof Area State Parks, Kenai River Special Management Area, Kodiak Area State Parks, Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, Ninilchik State Recreation Area, Point Bridget State Park, Salcha River State Recreation Site, Sitka Area State Parks, State Marine Parks in Prince William Sound and Resurrection Bay, Summit Lake State Recreation Site, Tok Area Parks, Totem Bight State Historical Park, Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site, Wickersham State Historic Site, Wood-Tikchik State Park