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 |