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Freshwater Fishing in Alaska
Alaska Fishing at a Glance
With over twelve thousand rivers, three million lakes, and thousands of fish-filled streams, the only question in Alaska is where to start.
Without a doubt, Alaska offers some of the most spectacular freshwater, saltwater, fly and ice fishing in the world. The state is home to more than 627 species, including a variety of trout, salmon, arctic char, Dolly Varden, halibut, grayling and pike.
If you’re planning a freshwater fishing trip to Alaska, there are a few things you’ll need to know in order to stay compliant with state regulations.
First and foremost, all fishermen must have a current license in order to fish anywhere in the state. You can obtain a license online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, or in person at any authorized vendor (See links below). Once you have your license, be sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations specific to the area where you’ll be fishing.
The bag and possession limit is three fish per day, and only one of those can be a trophy fish. In addition, it’s important to know that the use of bait is prohibited in some areas in order to protect against the spread of invasive species. Each area has its own regulations, so it’s important to know what you’re doing before you go out.
Alaska ranks #1 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enhtusiasts with over 59% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- Alaska offers some of the most spectacular freshwater, saltwater, fly and ice fishing in the world, with over twelve thousand rivers, three million lakes, and thousands of fish-filled streams.
- The state is home to more than 627 species, including a variety of trout, salmon, arctic char, Dolly Varden, halibut, grayling and pike.
- All fishermen must have a current license to fish anywhere in the state, which can be obtained online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or in person at any authorized vendor.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 733,391 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 432,760 |
| Fishing License % | 59.01% |
| Hunters Rank | 1 |
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 365,039,400 | ||
| Public | 325,700,000 | 89.22% | 1 |
| Private | 39,252,600 | 10.75% | 50 |
| Tribal | 86,800 | 0.02% | 25 |
Alaska Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Alaska DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Alaska DNR
P.O. Box 115526
1255 W. 8th Street
Juneau, AK 99811-5526
- (907) 465-4265
Helpful Links
Salmon are by far the most popular type of fish to fish for in Alaska, and trout, grayling, char, and whitefish are also popular. Salmon are prized for their high quality meat, and they can be found in many of Alaska’s rivers and streams. Trout are also popular and are often found in the same areas as salmon. Grayling are a bit less well-known than salmon and trout, but they’re nonetheless a worthy adversary. Char are similar to trout in many ways, but tend to be even tougher fighters. Finally, whitefish are a versatile species that can provide a delicious meal no matter how they’re cooked.
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Fishing private land in Alaska
Fishing on private land in Alaska has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Alaska or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Denali National Park
2. Kodiak Island
3. Lake Iliamna
4. Southeast Alaska
5. Cook Inlet
Fishing private land in Alaska
Fishing on private land in Alaska has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Alaska or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.