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Best Places to Magnet Fish in Alaska

Top Spots for Treasure Hunters

For those looking to try out this thrilling hobby in Alaska, there are many fantastic spots to choose from. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 10 places for magnet fishing in Alaska, complete with tips and tricks to help you make the most of your experience.


An interesting fact about Ship Creek is that it's one of the few urban fisheries in the United States where salmon can be caught right in the heart of a major city. The creek is home to several salmon species, including king salmon, coho salmon, and pink salmon, which makes it a popular spot for both commercial and recreational fishing. In fact, each year, the creek is stocked with hatchery-reared salmon to maintain its healthy population. Additionally, Ship Creek is known for its historic importance to the city of Anchorage, as it served as a hub for transportation and commerce during the city's early days.


Ship Creek - Anchorage

Ship Creek - Anchorage

Alaska Magnet Fishing Spots

Ship Creek - Anchorage

Located in the heart of Anchorage, Ship Creek is a popular destination for magnet fishing enthusiasts. The creek is home to a variety of fish species, making it a great spot for fishing, but it's also a hot spot for magnet fishing. You can expect to find anything from old coins and jewelry to car parts and tools.

Lower Campbell Lake - Anchorage

Lower Campbell Lake is a beautiful location just outside of Anchorage. With crystal clear water and stunning views of the Chugach Mountains, it's an ideal spot for magnet fishing. This lake is also a popular destination for boating and fishing, so you can expect to find plenty of interesting finds.

Eklutna Tailrace - Palmer

The Eklutna Tailrace is a man-made channel that connects the Eklutna River to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. This location is known for its abundance of salmon, making it a popular spot for fishing. But it's also a great location for magnet fishing, with plenty of metal objects lying on the riverbed waiting to be discovered.

Nancy Lake - Willow

Nancy Lake is a beautiful location in Willow, Alaska, that's popular for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It's also a great location for magnet fishing, with plenty of metal objects hidden beneath the surface. You can expect to find anything from fishing lures to old tools.

Kenai River - Cooper Landing

The Kenai River is one of the most famous fishing destinations in Alaska, but it's also a great spot for magnet fishing. The river is home to a variety of fish species, and it's also a popular location for rafting and kayaking. With its fast-moving current, the Kenai River is a great spot to find lost fishing gear and other metal objects.

Pioneer Park Pond - Fairbanks

Pioneer Park is a historic theme park located in Fairbanks, Alaska. The park features a pond that's perfect for magnet fishing. You can expect to find everything from old coins to lost jewelry.

Chena River - Fairbanks

The Chena River is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking, but it's also a great location for magnet fishing. The river is home to a variety of fish species, and it's a great spot to find lost fishing gear and other metal objects.

Chatanika River - Fairbanks

The Chatanika River is a beautiful location in Fairbanks that's popular for fishing and camping. It's also a great spot for magnet fishing, with plenty of metal objects hidden beneath the surface.

Creamer's Field - Fairbanks

Creamer's Field is a historic farm located in Fairbanks that's been turned into a wildlife refuge. The refuge features a pond that's perfect for magnet fishing. You can expect to find everything from old coins to lost jewelry.

Resurrection Bay - Seward

Resurrection Bay is a stunning location in Seward, Alaska, that's known for its scenic beauty and abundant marine life. It's also a great spot for magnet fishing, with plenty of metal objects hidden beneath the surface. You can expect to find anything from old anchors to lost fishing gear.

Alaska Magnet Fishing Laws & Regulations


In Alaska, magnet fishing is permitted in public waterways, and artifacts predating European settlement are protected under state law.


Be sure to read our post on  What to Do If You Find a Gun Magnet Fishing  for guidance on legal, safety, and ethical implications.

Here are some magnet fishing finds in Alaska.

  • World War II Artifacts: In 2020, a magnet fisher discovered several pieces of World War II-era military equipment, including ammunition and other metal artifacts, near a historic military site in Anchorage. The site had been used by the U.S. Army during the war, and the finds provided a glimpse into Alaska's role in the conflict.
  • Gold Rush Era Relics: In 2021, a group of magnet fishers found various items from the Gold Rush era in a river near Juneau. These included mining tools, coins, and other metal objects that offered insight into the lives of miners during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Lost Fishing Gear:  Magnet fishers often find lost fishing gear, such as hooks, lures, and even fishing rods, in Alaskan waters. These finds can be helpful for the environment, as they remove potential hazards for wildlife.
  • Bicycles and Scooters: In urban areas of Alaska, such as Anchorage or Fairbanks, magnet fishers have retrieved discarded bicycles and scooters from rivers and lakes. These finds serve to clean up the environment and provide a glimpse into the impact of human activity on waterways.


Magnet fishing is a fun and unique way to explore Alaska's beautiful landscapes and bodies of water. Whether you're a seasoned magnet fisher or a first-timer, the state's top 10 spots offer plenty of opportunities to reel in a bounty of interesting finds.


So pack up your gear, grab your friends or family, and head to one of these top locations for an unforgettable magnet fishing adventure in Alaska.


Checkout our reviewed selection of magnet fishing gear to get outfitted for your next trip, or our guides on the  best magnets  and  best magnet fishing kits  to make your adventure one to remember. Also take a look at the Found Treasure page to see some of the interesting magnet fishing finds across the country. Remember  safety first  and to properly  dispose  of what you don't keep.

Magnet fishing clubs in Alaska

Club Name Description Club URL
Alabama Magnet Fishing Public Facebook group based in Hoover, AL. Mainly serves as a platform for sharing finds and locations. https://facebook.com/groups/AlabamaMagnetFishing
Birmingham Metro Magnet Fishers Private Facebook group for Birmingham, AL area. Focuses on responsible magnet fishing and environmental cleanup. https://facebook.com/groups/BirminghamMetroMagnetFishers

Do you know of a Magnet Fishing club or group in Alaska not listed here? Please share with us to keep this list up to date.

  • What equipment do I need for magnet fishing in Alaska?

    For magnet fishing in Alaska, you'll need a strong neodymium magnets, a sturdy rope, and a pair of gloves. You may also want to invest in a grappling hook to help retrieve any large objects you find. See our product reviews to find the one right for you.

  • Are there any laws or regulations regarding magnet fishing in Alaska?

    As of now, there are no specific laws or regulations regarding magnet fishing in Alaska. However, it's important to respect private property and obtain permission from landowners before magnet fishing on their property. It's also important to properly dispose of any trash or debris you find while magnet fishing.

  • What are some safety tips for magnet fishing in Alaska?

    When magnet fishing in Alaska, it's important to wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp or rusted metal objects. You should also avoid magnet fishing near power lines or other electrical sources, as the magnet can become energized and pose a safety hazard. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid standing too close to the edge of a body of water.

Also check out these nearby states Washington , Oregon, California , Montana , Idaho , Wyoming.

Author: Will Flaiz

Discover the world's hidden treasures through magnet fishing! We're calling all magnet fishing enthusiasts to share their favorite locations for this exciting hobby.


Whether it's a serene river, a bustling city canal, or a secret spot only you know about, your recommendations can help fellow adventurers find their next great find. Share your top magnet fishing locations with us and let's explore the depths together. Your insights could reveal new and exciting places for others to enjoy.


Join our community and let's uncover the hidden gems that lie beneath the water's surface.


Happy exploring!

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