What Kind of Fishing Do You Qualify For?

Alaska offers four types of fishing. Sport fishing is open to anyone in virtually all of Alaska, while commercial, subsistence, and personal use fishing are limited to certain areas, certain types of gear, or just to Alaska residents.

This chart may help you determine the fishing open to you. ALWAYS check license or permit requirements, closed waters, seasons, limits, and other rules for your area.

Once you have determined the kind of fishing you would like to do, then review the regulations for the specific area and species you want to catch. Seasons, bag limits, methods and means, permitting, and reporting requirements vary widely across the state.



Table Key Yes No Maybe
 

If you are currently... Commercial Sport Subsistence Personal Use
...living outside of the State of Alaska
Yes
No
No
...living in Alaska, but have been here less than one year
Yes
Yes
No
No
...living in Alaska, and have been here for at least one year
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

If you are fishing... Commercial Sport Subsistence Personal Use
...in a nonsubsistence area. These include the densely populated areas around Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan, Wasilla, Palmer, Kenai, and Valdez
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
...in other areas of Alaska
Yes
Yes
Yes
Maybe

If you are... Commercial Sport Subsistence Personal Use
...keeping your fish for personal or family consumption
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
...bartering or trading your fish with other people
Yes
No
Yes
No
...selling your fish
Yes
No
Maybe
No

If you are catching your fish with… Commercial Sport Subsistence Personal Use
...rods and reels
No
Yes
Maybe
No
...dipnets
No
No
Yes
Yes
...seine nets or gillnets
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
...other gear
Yes
Maybe
Yes
Yes

Do I need a license or permit? Commercial Sport Subsistence Personal Use
Most Alaska fisheries require license or permits License/Permit Requirements License Requirements Permit Requirements License/Permit Requirements