There appears to be some confusion regarding an announcement the Department issued April 13 regarding sport and personal use fishing. The Department understands the value of these activities to Alaskans supports Alaskans having the opportunity to get out and fish to feed their families and fill their freezers.

Sport and Personal Use fishing in the State of Alaska will remain open, consistent with published regulations during the 2020 season, subject to compliance with State of Alaska Public Health Mandates.

Although travel between communities is prohibited under the issued health mandates, the public may still travel to fishing locations. When traveling to participate in sport or personal use fisheries that occur outside of their communities of residence, the public must follow these guidelines:

1. Conduct your fishing activities as close to your home residence as possible;
2. Local mandates may be authorized under Public Health Mandate 012. Find out local mandates in communities through which you plan to travel and abide by them;
3. Totally provision your trip from your community of origin. Don’t plan on buying food, drinks or even fuel (if possible) after you begin your trip and until you return home;
4. Practice social distancing while sport or personal use fishing; and,
5. Highly suggest anglers wear face coverings as suggested in Health Alert 010 issued April 3, 2020.

Adherence to these stipulations will allow Alaskans the opportunity to fish and put food on their tables while taking measures to protect public health and allow time to build needed health infrastructure.

Also, subsistence fishing remains open and unrestricted under the issued health mandates.

Be safe and considerate of others as you venture out to fish.

#20-2927