By Timothy Kearns
Every state regulates hunting and fishing in all areas. These regulations are in place to keep the fish and game populations either from expanding too much or being wiped out by human interference. The State of Alaska regulates fishing for salmon by requiring a fishing license, as well as an additional stamp on that license if you want to fish for King salmon, and by allowing fishing only at certain seasons. These regulations vary by region and fishery, so check with the Department of Fish and Game before heading out on any trips.
Statewide Regulations
The rules prohibit fishing in some places. For example, don't cast within 300 feet of a fish weir (trap) or ladder--unless markers say otherwise. The law prohibits you from molesting or wasting fish of any kind. Don't sell any fish or any part of a fish that you caught under a sport-fishing license. (The other type of license if a commercial license with its own set of rules.) Also, note that you are strictly liable for any and every offense no matter what you may have intended. Usually, violators are fined. According to the Department of Fish and Game website "sport fishing may only be conducted by the use of a single line having attached to it not more than one plug, spoon, spinner, or series of spinners, or two flies, or two hooks. The line must be closely attended. The use of any explosive or toxicant for taking fish in the waters of Alaska is prohibited."
Fishing License
You'll need this state-issued license for any fishing you do in Alaska. Pick one up at most fishing stores and outfitters with your government issued ID--no waiting period. You can also buy in advance on the Department of Fish and Game website. (See Resources) As of August 2009, anglers under 16 years of age won't need a license, but they will need to fill out a catch card (free), which you can get from fishing license vendors. Alaska residents pay $24 per year for the basic license. Non-residents pay for a license based on how many days they intend to fish: a one-day license is $20, a three-day license is $35, a seven-day license $55, a 14-day license $80, and an annual license $145. These prices are subject to change without notice.
King Salmon Stamp
If you intend to fish for King Salmon, when you buy your fishing license, get it stamped with the King Salmon stamp. Because its size makes the King Salmon popular, the law regulates fishing for King Salmon more than other species to keep the population from being wiped out. As of August 2009, residents can get the King Stamp for $10 per year, but non-residents pay based on the length of their license: $10 for one day, $20 for three days, $30 for seven days, $50 for 14 days, and $100 for the whole year.
Limits on Salmon
Since these limits vary by region, here are the regulations for the Kenai Peninsula, one of the more popular spots. You can catch and keep up to three Sockeye salmon every day. For Silver salmon, you can catch and keep no more than two per day on rivers, three per day on the coastal waters outside Resurrection Bay, and six per day inside Resurrection Bay. Regulations on King Salmon are detailed and are particular to each river and body of water, limiting number of Kings caught and retained as well their size, origin, and days of the week you can fish for them. Check with the Department of Fish and Game for details. (See Resources)
Resources
About the Author:
Timothy Kearns has been writing since 1999. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Greek and Latin, an Master of Arts degree in Medieval Latin, and he is writing a Ph.D in Medieval Latin and Roman law. He has edited two volumes of papers and he wrote the introduction to a commemorative volume for a recently deceased scholar.
