Before you depart on your Alaska Fishing Trip, there are several rules and regulations that you need to know before you go. Some of them are simple, but some will require a bit of research on your part. Fortunately, all the information you need is available online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s website. The most important things you need to look at are getting your license, bag limits, major general rules that apply everywhere, and special rules that apply in the areas you plan on fishing. Regional regulations are especially important if you’re planning on visiting the Kenai or Kasilof Rivers, particularly if you’re going to be fishing for king salmon.
Alaska Fishing License Laws
Fishing licenses are available at many different retail stores and even some lodges throughout the state, so finding one should not be a problem after you show up for your trip. They may even be included in the price of your trip if you booked through a lodge that also offers a guide service package, so make sure to inquire about it first before you buy one. If you would like to get your license before you show up, you can order it online through the ADFG. A general license is required annually for everyone over the age of 16 for both sportfishing and clam digging. If you’re a resident over the age of 60 however, you no longer need a license. Here are the fees for resident and non-resident licenses. Active duty military personnel stationed in Alaska are eligible for the resident permit.
- Annual Resident – $24
- Non-Resident 1 Day – $20
- 3 Day – $35
- 7 Day – $55
- 14 Day – $80
- Annual – $145
The back of your license will contain a harvest record that must contain a record of all the fish you caught in ink.
If you’re going after King Salmon, you’ll need a King Salmon stamp as well. These are also available for varying lengths for nonresidents and cheap for residents. The prices are as follows:
- Annual resident – $10
- Military Personnel – $20
- Nonresident 1 Day – $10
- 3 Day – $20
- 7 Day – $30
- 14 Day – $50
- Annual – $100
General Regulations
There are several important regulations that apply in the entire state of Alaska that shouldn’t be broken. First, no fishing is allowed within 300 feet of a fish weir (trap) or ladder. No motorized or tracked vehicles are allowed in any streams important to fish spawning. The regulations also make it illegal for anyone to waste fish or attempt to destruct any species of sport caught fish
The ADFG also dictates what gear you can use to catch fish. Sportfishing can only be done with a closely attended single line with no more than two hooks or flies or not more than one plug, spoon, or series of spinners attached to it. In freshwater live fish may not be used as bait. As always pay attention to where you’re fishing, as some waters are designated fly fishing only or single hook only.
Bag Limits
Bag limits, just like fishing regulations, vary by region in Alaska. Make sure to check updated regulations for your area, but these bag limits are in effect for most areas of the state
- Sockeye Salmon – Limit 3 daily
- Halibut – 2 daily
- Razorclams – First 60 clams dug
- Silver Salmon – Two daily in rivers, 3 in coastal waters
- Rainbow Trout – 2 daily
- King Salmon – Bag limit and size restrictions vary greatly with location
Regional Regulations
Alaska’s fishing regulations are published in five different books because of the difference in laws between regions. This is especially true of the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. If you’re planning on scheduling a trip to these areas, make sure you either read the regulations or talk with the guide you’re booking about regulations you will be subject to. Depending on when you arrive, the laws can greatly affect what species of fish you get to fish for or how many days you get out on the water. Here are a few important rules to take into account:
- During King Salmon season, guided anglers can only fish from 6 AM to 6 PM on the Kenai River
- On the Kenai, there is no guided fishing on Sundays or Mondays except for Memorial Day
- No guided silver salmon fishing on Mondays in August and September on the Kenai River
- The Kasilof River is drift boat fishing only
- No guide fishing on Sundays in July on the Kasilof River
These are just a few regulations for these two rivers. Make sure to check the rules for your area and also the emergency orders, which supercede any other regulations.
All these rules may seem a little overwhelming or confusing, especially if this is your first time planning an Alaskan Fishing Trip. If you get too lost, your guide or lodge, if you booked one, should be able to help you make heads or tail of the regulations in your area. The few minutes you take to make yourself aware of the regulations in your area before you go will make your trip much easier and ensure you don’t get in trouble with any game wardens.
Related posts:
- The Kenai Peninsula’s Forgotten River – The Kasilof
- Where to Go on your Alaskan Fishing Trip
- Tips to Make Your Alaska Fishing Vacation a Success