An angling adventure in “the Last Frontier” is, to put it plain and simply, an unforgettable
experience. With some of the most untouched wildlife and best managed fisheries in the world,
it’s no wonder why so many people go fishing in Alaska each year. Without a doubt, the biggest
bonus is the amount of fishing opportunities available throughout the state. However,
no matter where you want to explore, you’ll need to get yourself an Alaska fishing license first.
In this video, we’re going to address some of your most common questions about getting
a fishing license in the state of Alaska. You may be wondering which type of license
you should get, or if you even need one at all. After watching today’s video,
you’ll have all the answers, so you’ll be able to spend less time wondering about
the ins-and-outs of fishing here, and more time actually fishing!
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So, who needs a fishing license in Alaska? All residents over the age of 18,
along with non-residents over the age of 16 need to obtain a license to fish in fresh
and saltwater. This is the same whether you’re fishing alone or on a charter.
However, there are a few exceptions that allow some anglers to fish without a license. This
includes senior Alaska residents (aged 60 and older) who hold a Senior Permanent
Identification Card, as well as Alaskan disabled veterans with a veteran’s license.
Residents under the age of 18, as well as non-residents under the age 16 don’t need a
license to fish here. These groups are also exempt from purchasing a King Salmon Stamp,
but will still need to obtain a Harvest record card. The Stamp is also not required if you’re
the holder of an Alaska sport fishing license for the blind and/or low-income.
Now that you know whether you’ll be needing an Alaska fishing license or not,
it’s time to find out which specific one you need.
Different types of Alaska fishing licenses are available for residents,
non-residents, those in active duty in the military, and disabled anglers. Fees
vary depending on the type and length of the license, as well as your age.
You can prove your residency through any state-issued ID card,
or legal document confirming your status. There are a variety of reasons why you may
be considered a resident of Alaska, but the main one is that you’ve had a
registered address in the state for 12 months or more. Among others, military personnel who
have been stationed in Alaska for the past 12 months are also considered residents.
If you’re a resident of Alaska, the only fishing license you can purchase
is an Annual Sport Fishing License. You’ll also have the option of purchasing combined
hunting and fishing licenses. If you’re a non-resident, there’s a good variety
of fishing permits for you to choose from. You can cast your line for just a couple of
days or opt for an annual license. Just keep in mind that you won’t be eligible
for certain license types, such as for the ones for low-income and blind residents.
Some Rainbow Trout and King Salmon fisheries have annual harvest limits that need to be recorded.
Along with your fishing license, you may need to obtain a Sport Fishing Harvest Record Card,
which is available online, at Fish and Game offices, and at license vendors.
The Harvest Record Card is free of charge for resident anglers under
18 and non-resident anglers under 16, along with senior residents and disabled
veterans with Alaska Department of Fish and Game Permanent Identification Cards.
If you are planning on fishing for Chinook Salmon in Alaska,
keep in mind that you’ll also need to purchase a current annual King Salmon
Stamp ahead of time. This applies to both residents and non-residents.
Finally, if you're a resident of Canada's Yukon Territory, you can purchase non-resident licenses
and Salmon Stamps at the same cost as residents. Prices for different license types vary. An annual
resident license is available for about twenty bucks, while non-resident will have to pay
around a hundred dollars. Fees for short-term licenses available to non-residents range from
about $15 for a single day of fishing to just under $50 for a weekly permit. The Department
of Fish and Game uses these funds to support management and research of Alaska’s fish and
wildlife resources – so you can continue to fish here productively for many more years to come.
For a detailed price breakdown of the different licenses available in Alaska, as well as how
much they cost right now, check out our blog article linked in the description box below.
When the time comes to get your own license, the state of Alaska has plenty of options. The best
part about getting your Alaska fishing license is that in most cases, it’s already included in the
price of your fishing charter. That is, of course, if you decide to book a trip with a licensed
captain, guide, or outfitter. In any case, be sure to check with your captain before heading out.
If you’re fishing without a guide, you can easily get your license and
stamps online or in person – at Fish and Game offices and
at most sporting goods stores. Harvest Record Cards are also available online.
You can get a carbon copy of your license at select vendors and Alaska
Department of Fish anf Game offices. Alternatively, you can purchase your
license in PDF format online, and download and sign it through your phone or print and sign a
paper copy. Finally, If you have an ADF&G account, you can get an eSigned form on the online store.
Alaskans over the age of 18 and visitors over the age of 16, with a few exceptions,
are required to carry a fishing license in Alaska In most cases, your fishing license and permits
are already included in the price of your charter if you’re fishing with a licensed guide
Out-of-state anglers have a wider selection of licenses
when it comes to the length of their validity And you can buy a license online or in person
You’re about ready to go!
So, as you can see, getting an Alaska fishing license isn’t all that hard. If you’re looking
for more detailed information on all the available types of licenses and permits, hit the link in the
description below to check out our full blog post. And of course, when you’re finally ready
to experience the Alaskan fishing scene for yourself, be sure to visit fishingbooker.com,
take a look at some of the charters in the area, and start planning your next adventure!