Sport Fisheries, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game Five Salmon Family certificate program provides recognition to angling families who catch and document the five species of Pacific salmon commonly found in Alaska. Certification in the program requires all salmon must be:

Legally caught in Alaskan waters (fresh or salt water) open to the public
In compliance with current ADF&G sport fishing regulations

Fish caught out of season, in waters where sport fishing for that species is closed, or with illegal sport fishing means and methods cannot be counted toward the challenge - even if the fish is left in the water while the photo is being taken and is immediately released thereafter.

The program promotes family or group angling participation, proper salmon identification and ethical angling practices. Participants can include members of an immediate family, extended family, "family" groups, or any other class of angling partners. The program is open to all anglers (resident and non-resident) who fish in Alaskan waters.

The Five Species of Pacific Salmon

Documenting the Catch

Photos documenting family members displaying the salmon are required for each fish. The photo(s) should allow easy identification of the salmon species, show responsible angling practices, and be taken at or near the fishing site.

If you released the fish, please make sure your photo demonstrates responsible release practices, and young anglers are displaying proper safety considerations such as wearing float coats or life vests when near the water.

Submission Process

Only one submission form and photo release is required per family or group. Forms and photos can be submitted in digital or hard-copy format. Forms are also available by contacting the certificate coordinator at: dfg.dsf.trophyfish@alaska.gov.

Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing of submission.

Download Application

The Stillwater Slam challenges anglers to catch a lake trout, burbot, and northern pike within a 24-hour period. This challenge applies only to fish caught in lakes, ponds, or sloughs. Fish caught in rivers or streams (flowing water) do not qualify. The three species may be caught from different waterbodies within the 24-hour timeframe.

All fish must be caught using legal sport fishing methods in waters open to sport fishing. There are no minimum length requirements. Fish do not need to be harvested to qualify.

ADF&G encourages ethical angling practices, including proper catch-and-release methods for fish that are not intended to be harvested. Clear photos that accurately depict each species are required for verification.

Submission Process

Only one submission form and photo release is required per family or group. Forms and photos can be submitted in digital or hard-copy format. Forms are also available by contacting the certificate coordinator at: dfg.dsf.trophyfish@alaska.gov.

Download Application

Stillwater Slam affidavit

The Saltwater Slam challenges anglers to catch a halibut, lingcod, and any species of rockfish (Sebastes) within a 24-hour period.

All fish must be caught using legal sport fishing methods in waters open to sport fishing. There are no minimum length requirements. Fish do not need to be harvested to qualify.

ADF&G encourages ethical angling practices. Anglers must use proper deepwater release methods for any rockfish not intended to be harvested. Clear photos that accurately depict each species are required for verification.

Submission Process

Only one submission form and photo release is required per family or group. Forms and photos can be submitted in digital or hard-copy format. Forms are also available by contacting the certificate coordinator at: dfg.dsf.trophyfish@alaska.gov.

Download Application

Saltwater Slam affidavit

The Stream Slam challenges anglers to catch a rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and Dolly Varden within a 24-hour period.

This challenge applies only to fish caught in rivers or streams (flowing water). Fish caught in lakes, ponds, or sloughs do not qualify. Fish may be caught from different waterbodies within the 24-hour timeframe.

All fish must be caught using legal sport fishing methods in waters open to sport fishing. There are no minimum length requirements. Fish do not need to be harvested to qualify.

ADF&G encourages ethical angling practices, including proper catch-and-release methods for fish that are not intended to be harvested. Clear photos that accurately depict each species are required for verification.

Submission Process

Only one submission form and photo release is required per family or group. Forms and photos can be submitted in digital or hard-copy format. Forms are also available by contacting the certificate coordinator at: dfg.dsf.trophyfish@alaska.gov.

Download Application

Stream Slam affidavit

The My First Fish recognition program celebrates one of the most memorable milestones in an angler's life - catching that very first fish.

An angler's first fish marks the beginning of a lifelong connection to fishing, fisheries, and outdoor traditions. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is proud to recognize anglers of all ages who experience this special moment in Alaska.

This program is open to resident and nonresident anglers who catch their first fish in Alaska, provided they have never caught a fish on hook and line anywhere else. Participants can submit a photo and basic catch information to receive official recognition commemorating their achievement.

Submission Process

Only one submission form and photo release is required per family or group. Forms and photos can be submitted in digital or hard-copy format. Forms are also available by contacting the certificate coordinator at: dfg.dsf.trophyfish@alaska.gov.

Download Application

My First Fish affidavit

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game "Stocked Waters Challenges" awards a certificate of recognition to individual or groups who successfully complete one or more of the below angling challenges.

Challenge option 1: "Five from Five"

There are five different species of fish stocked by ADF&G - Chinook (king salmon), coho (silver) salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char and Arctic grayling. The "Five from Five" challenge awards anglers who catch one of these species at five different stocked waters. No more than one species can count from any stocked water. For example, anglers are unable to submit a rainbow trout and an Arctic char from the same location. Any fish caught in any stocked water in Alaska counts toward successful completion of this challenge.

Anglers do not have to retain the fish they catch. Photographs of the angler with the fish at the water body where the fish was caught are required with submitted applications.

Any fish caught and submitted for this challenge must be caught using standard sport fishing gear (i.e., rod and reel or hook and line). In addition, fish must be caught using legal gear in waters open to fishing for that species.

Valid sport fishing licenses are required for any resident 18 years of age or older (those who hold a valid PID or DAV are included in this), and by any non-resident 16 years of age or older. Those anglers who do not require a sport fishing license are encouraged to participate in this challenge. We simply ask that the age of those participants be noted on the application.

Challenge option 2: "10 Lakes"

To accomplish this challenge, anglers must fish at any 10 stocked lakes around the state. Catching fish is not a requirement. Photographs of the angler at the water body are required with submitted applications. Fishing must be conducted using legal sport fishing gear (i.e., rod and reel or hook and line).

Valid sport fishing licenses are required for any resident 18 years of age or older (those who hold a valid PID or DAV are included in this), and by any non-resident 16 years of age or older. Those anglers who do not require a sport fishing license are encouraged to participate in this challenge. We simply ask that the age of those participants be noted on the application.

Option 3: "Two Over 20"

Many stocked lakes hold rather large fish. Anglers who catch two fish (doesn't matter what species) over 20 inches in length can submit an application for the "Two Over 20" recognition certificate.

Anglers do not have to retain the fish they catch. Photographs of the angler with the fish at the water body where the fish was caught are required with submitted applications.

Any fish caught and submitted for this challenge must be caught using standard sport fishing gear (i.e., rod and reel or hook and line). In addition, fish must be caught using legal gear in waters open to fishing for that species.

Valid sport fishing licenses are required for any resident 18 years of age or older (those who hold a valid PID or DAV are included in this), and by any non-resident 16 years of age or older. Those anglers who do not require a sport fishing license are encouraged to participate in this challenge. We simply ask that the age of those participants be noted on the application.

Application Process

Only one application form and photo release is required per individual or group for all Stocked Waters Challenges. Forms and photos can be submitted in digital or hard-copy format. Forms are also available by contacting the Stocked Waters certificate coordinator at: dfg.dsf.trophyfish@alaska.gov.

Photo Release

ADF&G wants to share the accomplishment of families who complete the challenge and may opt to use select images to promote the program or sport fishing in Alaska, such as in flyers, on our website, or on our official Facebook page. Whenever possible, ADF&G will credit the photographer and publish the names of individual(s) appearing in the photo(s). If you do not wish to have your family's photos published, you may still participate in the challenges. To decline publication of your photos, do not include a signed photo release with your submission. Download the model release form.

Processing and Approval Process

Each application will be reviewed by ADF&G staff. If the application is complete and meets the certificate requirements, an official certificate with the individual angler's name or family's name will be mailed to the household.

Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing of submission.

Adult Program

Anglers have been participating since the 1960s in the ADF&G Trophy Fish Program, which gives special recognition to anglers taking fish that meet minimum weight (trophy certificates) or length standards (catch-and-release certificates) within a species. Trophy fish for both certificates must be legally caught from waters open to the public, in compliance with current ADF&G sport fishing regulations.

Youth Program

The Youth category of the Trophy Fish Program is an opportunity for young anglers to be recognized for catching a trophy fish. This category is open to anglers who are 15 years of age or younger. These rules apply to catch-and-release as well as kept fish.

Catch-and-Release Certificates

For catch-and-release certificates, it's best not to remove your fish from the water. Hold it just at the water's surface while a photograph is quickly taken, then release it into the current. Minimum lengths for catch-and-release certificates are listed in the table below. Not applicable to all species.

Adult Trophy Fish Minimum Requirements

Youth Catch and Release Minimum Requirements

Catch and Release Affidavit. Send to: dfg.dsf.trophyfish@alaska.gov.

Trophy Fish Certificate

Minimum weights for trophy fish certificates are listed on the table below. Entries must be weighed in the presence of at least one witness or a Trophy Fish Official, on a scale currently certified by the Division of Weights and Measures.

Adult Trophy Fish Minimum Requirements

Youth Trophy Fish Minimum Requirements

Trophy Fish Affidavit. Send to: dfg.dsf.trophyfish@alaska.gov.