Alaska is fondly known as the “Last Frontier,” when it comes to picking an ideal fishing destination, look no further! Here you will find 6,640 miles of shoreline and more than 3 million lakes. Salmon is the national fish, and anglers from all over the world flock here to catch them. If you are a non-resident, a fishing license will cost you $15-$100, depending on the license duration.
A short-term fishing license in Alaska costs $15 (one day)- $75 (fourteen days). An annual fishing license is $100 for a non-resident and $20 for a resident. The king salmon stamp costs $15(one day)-$75(fourteen days), and for an annual stamp, it’s $100 for a non-resident and $20 for a resident.
Fishing in Alaska is a truly fantastic experience. Anglers get to decide between saltwater, freshwater, fly, and ice fishing. This article will explore the rules and regulations while fishing in Alaska and any costs of the different licenses and stamps for residents and non-residents, where to fish, and some additional information that will better inform you, should you be planning a fishing trip to Alaska.
How Much Does A Fishing License Cost In Alaska?
In Alaska, fish and marine animals are considered limited resources, so authorities need to regulate fishing, including sports fishing and recreational, commercial, and subsidence fishing. Let us start by listing the cost of fishing licenses, stamps, and relevant documentation.
Short Term Fishing License
Should you and your friends plan a short fishing trip to Alaska, this section is especially for you. Short-term fishing licenses are reserved for short fishing excursions only. The cost is dependent on the duration of your trip.
When you purchase any of these short-term licenses, be sure to indicate the date and time that you require the license to be valid. The date on the license should correspond with the date of your actual stay. These sportfishing licenses are usually reserved and allocated to non-residents.
| Short Term Fishing License | License Cost |
| 1-Day Sport Fishing License | $15.00 |
| 3-Day Sport Fishing License | $30.00 |
| 7-Day Sport Fishing License | $45.00 |
| 14-Day Sport Fishing License | $75.00 |
Annual Sport Fish License
Should your planned fishing trip exceed 14-days, it may be a better idea to purchase the non-resident annual sport fishing license at $100. If you are planning multiple fishing trips to Alaska in the upcoming year, it makes sense that you go for this license from the get-go. A non-resident aged 16-years and older will also require this license for teenagers who still spend time with their fathers!
An Alaskan resident will pay an annual fee of $20 for this specific license. All residents older than 18-years must have this license to participate in sport and personal use fishing. Residents 60-years and older, including disabled veterans, may participate in sport fisheries without a sport fishing license. To qualify for this exemption, they need to possess an ADF&G Identification Card.
You can purchase fishing licenses and stamps at any licensed vendor, any Fish and Game office, or online: Licenses and Permits, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
King Salmon Stamp
In a move to promote sustainability, due to the scarcity in supply, you will need to buy a king salmon stamp when you plan to fish for salmon.
Residents
- Residents who hold an ADF&G Identification Card do not need a king salmon stamp and can fish for salmon.
- Resident anglers under 18-years of age also don’t need this stamp and are free to fish for salmon.
- Residents that fall outside these parameters mentioned above will have to pay $10.00 for an annual king salmon stamp.
Non-Residents
- Non-resident anglers under 16-years do not require the king salmon stamp and can fish for salmon without a nice discount if you have children joining you on the fishing trip.
| King Salmon Stamp | Cost Of Stamp |
| 1-Day King Salmon Stamp | $15.00 |
| 3-Day King Salmon Stamp | $30.00 |
| 7-Day King Salmon Stamp | $45.00 |
| 14-Day King Salmon Stamp | $75.00 |
| Annual King Salmon Stamp | $100.00 |
Again, should your planned trip be more prolonged than 14-days and there is a chance that you might undertake another trip later in the year, then buying an annual king salmon stamp is your best option and can be bought at any licensed vendor,
Sport Fishing Harvest Record Card
To participate in sport fisheries where annual harvest limits apply, anglers must use the sportfishing harvest card.
Residents
- Senior residents (60-years and older) and disabled veterans holding an ADF&G Identification Card can obtain a free card to record what fish they harvest.
- Resident anglers younger than 18-years can also obtain this free card from any licensed vendor, or at any Fish and Game office, or online:Fishing in Alaska, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Non-Residents
- Non-resident anglers under the age of 16-years need to obtain this free card and can do so by either visiting a licensed vendor or any Fish and Game office or visiting this link for a free download: Fishing in Alaska, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Replacement Of License/Stamp
Keeping your license and stamp safe during the fishing trip is essential. However, should you lose or damage your license or stamp and need a replacement, it can be requested.
Residents
- Replacing an annual sport fishing license will cost ordinary residents $5.00.
- Lower-income residents will pay $2.00 only.
- Replacing an annual king salmon stamp will cost residents $5.00.
Non-Residents
- Replacing a sport fishing license will cost you $5.00.
- Replacing a king salmon stamp will cost you $5.00.
Non-Resident Military Licenses And Stamps
Should you be a non-resident military personal on active duty stationed in Alaska, you will be charged a discounted fee.
- Non-resident military personnel will be charged $20.00 for an annual sport fishing license, $30.00 for an annual king salmon stamp, and $5.00 to replace either.
Personal Use And Subsistence Fishing Regulations 2020-2021
Alaska is a state that is entirely focused on preserving its marine animals and fish. Various regulations cover the dos and don’ts for all affected regions where fishing occurs—familiarizing yourself with the area’s regulations where you plan to fish will prepare you for what you can and can’t do while having fun on your trip.
The document can be viewed here: Alaska Fishing Regulations
Where To Fish In Alaska?
Alaska is an incredible freshwater fishing destination, highlighted in the areas below:
- Southwest Alaska
- Far North Alaska
- Interior Alaska
- South Central Alaska
- Inside Passage
Southwest Alaska
| Where To Fish | Description |
| Iliamna Lake | The largest lake in Alaska, and it aids the most extensive red salmon run in the world. |
| Egegik River System | Home to five species of salmon. |
| Naknek River System | You can catch five species of salmon in this region.Fantastic location for anglers that are on a tight budget. |
| Karluk River | The best time to visit is from mid-June to the end of June, and this is the peak run-in period for the king salmon.A wide variety of fish is found in this river. |
South Central Alaska
| Where To Fish | Description |
| Deep Creek | This creek is best known for housing some of the best king salmon. |
| Bull Lake | Trout fishing from July-August each year.Grayling fish is also caught here. |
| Little Susitna River | Boasts one of the largest silver salmon runs |
Far North Alaska
| Where To Fish | Description |
| Noatak River | The ice starts melting here as late as the end of July; the best time to fish is from July 15th-September 15th. |
| Kobuk River | You can catch northern pike here all year long; the best time to fish here is from June to September 15th. |
Interior Alaska
| Where To Fish | Description |
| Rainbow Lake | Excellent area to fish for rainbow trout. |
| Charley River | It’s a great area to fish for grayling, as well as chum, coho, and king salmon. |
| Porcupine River | If you are fishing for northern pike and arctic grayling, then this is your spot. |
Inside Passage
| Where To Fish | Description |
| Harding River | When you want to fish for silver salmon, Dolly Varden, chum salmon, and cutthroat trout, this is your area. |
| Dewey Lake | Your trout destination. |
| Auke Bay | King salmon available all year round. |
Conclusion
The article has indicated the licenses, stamps, and record cards that will be required when fishing in Alaska and how much they cost. These documents are ready to purchase in Alaska and online, and obtaining them should be hassle-free.
As listed above, some genuinely magnificent fishing spots all over Alaska. Have fun deciding where to fish!
References:
- Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Alaska | Catch and Fillet
- Fishing in Alaska, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
