A precious time for our families who have endured the tough life of immigration in Alaska to briefly regain their wildness!

The symbol of salmon fishing in Anchorage is definitely Ship Creek. This place, located right next to downtown, is rare in the world for encountering king salmon. When the king salmon season starts at the end of May, the giants weighing over 30 to 50 pounds rush in, almost breaking the fishing rods.

In the moment of struggling while sinking to our knees in the muddy tidal flats, the overwhelming feelings of life are washed away. That moment of facing the enormous creature rising from the water is the real battle.

In July, the people of Anchorage head to the Kenai River. It is the deep netting season for catching red salmon. This privilege, allowed only for residents, is more like labor than fishing. Standing in the cold river water with a heavy net is truly exhausting.

However, the heavy vibrations felt when the salmon schools rush in provide an indescribable thrill. The dozens of salmon caught after fighting the river all day become the most reliable food for the family during the long winter. Even when the water rises and dividends decrease, seeing the freezer packed with salmon brings peace to the provider's heart.

At the end of August, as summer fades, silver salmon come up. Although they are slightly smaller, their dazzling movements as they leap above the surface instantly captivate the angler's heart. Standing by the river during this time, one realizes that another summer is passing by. It is a moment of letting go of the burdens and weight of life from the past year while gazing at the snow-capped mountains.

For us living in 2026, salmon fishing teaches us many lessons. Good equipment and thorough preparation are the basics of survival, and sharing the caught fish with neighbors is the most certain way to root ourselves in Anchorage.

Above all, we must not forget that the nature we enjoy is a legacy for the next generation. Responsible fishing culture that follows regulations and protects the environment is our responsibility.

The true taste of salmon fishing lies not in the moment of catching but in the process of enduring. The sight of salmon swimming upstream to end their lives against the fierce current seems to resemble the life of immigrants who pour everything for their families in a foreign land.