An angling adventure in “the Last Frontier” is just impossible to forget. There’s huge mountains, beautiful northern lights, eight national parks, and the largest Salmon in the country. Without a doubt, the biggest bonus is the amount of fishing opportunities available to any angler. No matter where you want to explore, you’ll need to to get yourself an Alaska fishing license.
In this guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about sport fishing licences in Alaska, including the difference between resident and non-resident licenses, where and how to get your permits, and what else you need to purchase before you head out on the water.
Who needs a fishing license in Alaska?
All residents aged 18 or older, along with non-residents aged 16+, need to obtain a license to fish in Alaska, both in fresh and salt waters. There are exceptions where some of Alaska’s residents can fish without a license. We’ll cover that later.
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. The Department of Fish and Game uses funds generated by the sale of fishing licenses to support management and research of Alaska’s fish and wildlife resources.
Information for Residents
You are considered an Alaska resident if you:
- Are domiciled in Alaska and have maintained a home there for the past 12 months without claiming residency (or obtaining benefits under a claim of residency) in any other state, territory or country.
- Are a military service member or their dependent stationed in Alaska for the past 12 months.
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 ADF&G Permanent Identification Cards.
If you are planning on fishing for Chinook “King” Salmon in Alaska, you will also need to purchase a current annual King Salmon Stamp ahead of time. See the “Who can fish without a license?” section to see if you qualify for exemption.
Costs for Residents
If you are an Alaska resident, there’s a good variety of fishing licenses for you to choose from. You can cast your line for just a couple of days or opt for an annual permit. Plus, there are combination licenses available for hunters. Here’s a list of all the available sport fishing options and the cost:
| Resident License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual |
$20.00 |
| Annual Low Income |
$5.00 |
| Annual for the blind |
$0.50 |
| Duplicate Replacement |
$5.00 |
| Duplicate Replacement for Low Income |
$2.00 |
| Resident King Salmon Stamp | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual |
$10.00 |
| Duplicate Replacement |
$5.00 |
Information for Non-Residents
As a non-resident, you are not eligible for certain types of licenses, such as the Low-Income and Blind types. However, you have more flexibility when it comes to choosing the length of certain licenses. Just like residents, you’ll also have to purchase a King Salmon Stamp if you’re planning to fish for Chinooks.
If you’re a resident of Yukon Territory, you can purchase non-resident licenses and Salmon Stamps, but at the same cost as residents.
Costs for Non-Residents
As we mentioned before, out-of-state anglers have a wider selection of licenses when it comes to the length. Here’s the list of available options for non-resident visitors and non-resident military service members:
| Non-Resident License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Day |
$15.00 |
| 3 Day |
$30.00 |
| 7 Day |
$45.00 |
| 14 Day |
$75.00 |
| Annual |
$100.00 |
| Annual Hunting and Sport Fishing |
$260.00 |
| Annual Hunting and 1 Day Sport Fishing |
$175.00 |
| Annual Hunting and 3 Day Sport Fishing |
$190.00 |
| Annual Hunting and 7 Day Sport Fishing |
$205.00 |
| Annual Hunting and 14 Day Sport Fishing |
$235.00 |
| Duplicate Replacement |
$5.00 |
| Non-Resident King Salmon Stamp | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Day |
$15.00 |
| 3 Day |
$30.00 |
| 7 Day |
$45.00 |
| 14 Day |
$75.00 |
| Annual |
$100.00 |
| Duplicate Replacement |
$5.00 |
| Non-Resident Military License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual |
$20.00 |
| Annual Hunting and Sport Fishing |
$60.00 |
| Duplicate Replacement |
$5.00 |
| Non-Resident Military King Salmon Stamp | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual |
$30.00 |
| Duplicate Replacement |
$5.00 |
Who can fish without a license?
Senior Alaska residents (aged 60 and older) who hold a Senior Permanent Identification Card and state’s disabled veterans with a veteran’s license don’t need to get an Alaska fishing license. The PID and disabled veteran’s licenses can be issued without charge. Feel free to find more information on this here.
Along with the holders of ADF&G Identification Card, anglers under the age of 18 (residents) and 16 (nonresidents) don’t need to purchase a King Salmon Stamp, but will still need to obtain a Harvest record card. The Stamp is also not required if you are a holder of an Alaska sport fishing license for the blind and/or low-income.
Where can I buy an Alaska fishing license?
The best part about getting your Alaska fishing license is that in most cases, it is 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. Make sure to check it with them beforehand.
If you’re fishing without a guide, you can easily get your license and stamps online, at Fish and Game offices, and at most sporting goods stores. Harvest Record Cards are also available online.
There are different types of Alaska license formats available:
- Electronic/Printed. You purchase your license in PDF format, that you can download and sign through your phone or print, sign, and carry it on you.
- eSigned. If you have an ADF&G account, you can get this format on the online store. You can view the signed licenses on your device or print a physical copy.
- Carbon copy. This is a handwritten license, available at select vendors and ADF&G offices. If you lose your copy, you can get a duplicate issued at a price of $5.00.
How long is my license valid for?
Depending on the type of license you purchase, it’s usually valid through December 31st of each calendar year. Of course, short-term non-resident fishing licenses are only available for 1, 3, 7, or 24 days from the date of purchase.
If you have any questions regarding the licenses, get in touch with the Licensing staff at (907) 465-2376 or at a[email protected].
How do I get a Low Income, PID, or DAV license?
If you are an Alaska resident whose annual family or household income is equal to (or less than) the most recent Alaska’s poverty guidelines, you may be eligible for a low income sport fishing license. Feel free to learn more about it online.
You can apply for your resident Senior Permanent Identification Card or Disabled Veterans card here.
If you still have questions about getting your fishing license in Alaska, it’s best to get in touch with your local ADF&G office. You can also leave us a comment below. Now it’s time to grab your license, rods, and reels, find a guide near you, and start fishing!
