For centuries, fishing has been a part of the culture and way of life in Alaska. With the opportunity to get away from it all and visit the remote wilderness, Alaska offers a sense of isolation and solitude that can be hard to find in any other place around the world.
Alaska is home to all five species of Pacific Salmon (chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, and pink Salmon. The most popular fish to target though is Salmon and Halibut. Salmon fishing provides the opportunity to bring plenty of tasty fish home to enjoy for the winter! Halibut is also an extremely popular target for sport fishermen in Alaska; our state is known for having the largest halibut in the World. Lastly, both Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden Trout are popular to target among sport fishing anglers; at times you can catch hundreds of these fun reel-screaming fish!
Luckily for you, no matter what species of Salmon or Trout you’re targeting in Alaska, the Alaska fishing license for 2024 is simple. Unlike other states, you won’t have to purchase a fishing license for many different types of species, locations with endless restrictions. In order to fish in Alaska, there are several types of fishing licenses available, depending on your age, residency status, and the type of fishing you plan to do.
Resident Alaska Fishing License 2024
Alaskan residents need only pay $20.00 to fish the entire state of Alaska. The only add-on to your fishing license would be if you would like to partake in King Salmon fishing. This is called a King Salmon stamp and is an extra $10.00 for the year. While many fishing licenses across the United States are on the rise, Alaska actually decreased its fishing license in 2021! Alaska Department of Fish & Game removed a surcharge that had been in place for 15 years, decreasing a resident annual Alaska fishing license by $9.00.
Nonresident Alaska Fishing License 2024
A one-day, non-resident Alaska fishing license for 2024 is $15.00. This covers all fishing in Alaska for Salmon and Halibut, the only exception is for King Salmon fishing for which you will need to purchase an additional King Stamp for $15.00 per day. The King Stamp is only for King Salmon fishing in Alaska, so if you’re not fishing for King Salmon, you do not need to purchase this. It’s pretty great to go fishing in Alaska as a non-resident for a week, is just $45.00 dollars.
Where do I purchae my Alaska Fishing License?
Here in Alaska, there are many places to purchase your Alaska fishing license for 2024. The most common is to head over to the Alaska Department of Fish and Games website and purchase your Alaska fishing license online. You may also purchase your fishing license at many local Soldotna, Alaska sporting goods stores.
Do I have to print my Alaska Fishing License?
For many years, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game required a physical copy of your Alaska fishing license; however, it is no longer required that you print out your fishing license. Some people prefer to keep a digital copy of their license on their phone or another electronic device, which can be easily accessed and shown to officials as needed.
As always, here at Kenai Drift Anglers, we like to see a physical copy as we’ve lost many phones to the Kenai River and dead batteries from clients taking so many photos! If you choose to have a digital copy, please make sure your device is charged and that you have a backup plan if your device is lost or damaged. Lastly, if you did lose your license, it’s just $5.00 to receive a new copy of your Alaska fishing license.
Do kids fish free in Alaska?
Another great thing about our fishing license program here in Alaska is kids fish free! Residents under 18 years old do not need an Alaska fishing license. Non-resident kids under the age of 16 years old also do not need a fishing license; however, when sport fishing for a species that has an annual limit, both resident and non-resident kids of all ages need a Sport Fishing Harvest Card. Our fishing trips only require a harvest card for kids while fishing for King Salmon. We usually have these cards on board, however, it is always a good idea to print a Sports Fishing Harvest card for the kids.
Remember – if you’re a non-resident, all kids under 16 years of age fish for free in Alaska!
Make your Alaska Fishing Trip Simple
Your Alaska fishing trip has a lot of moving parts and your Alaska fishing license is the first step to getting on the Kenai river here with Kenai Drift Anglers. Fishing regulations do change from time to time so we always recommend you purchase your Alaska fishing license once you have arrived in Alaska. As always, we’re here to help and make your Alaska fishing trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience.