What You Should Know about Alaska Fishing Licenses in 2023

Ketchikan, Alaska is home to a wide variety of fish, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game requires all anglers to purchase a license to engage in fishing of any kind. Without a doubt, salmon are the most sought-after on charters, but many anglers come to Ketchikan to try their luck fishing for halibut, lingcod, and other bottom fish. 
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With the exception of the King Salmon Stamp, anglers only need one license to participate, the most common being the One-Day Sport-fishing license. A one-day license allows anglers to target all species of fish; there is no special license required to fish for halibut. 

Anglers are allowed to fish one rod per person, regardless of whether they are on a charter or leisure fishing on their own time. To validate a license, anglers must have a signed and printed copy on the boat with them while they are fishing. 

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game provides exemptions on fishing licenses for seniors and youth. Unfortunately, the senior exemption only applies to Alaska residents who are age 60 and older, but resident and nonresident (out-of-state) youth can enjoy similar exemptions. 

For Alaska residents age 17 and younger, or nonresidents age 15 and younger, the Department of Fish and Game does not require the purchase of a fishing license. However, resident and nonresident youth are still required to hold a Sport Fishing Harvest Record Card in order to keep record of their catch. 
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Residency requirements depend on the amount of time that an individual has lived permanently in the state of Alaska.

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Guests boasting their haul after a long day on the water with Captain Axel.

Costs for Different Fishing Licenses

Resident Annual Sport Fishing License: $20.00

Resident Annual King Salmon Stamp: $10.00

Nonresident 1-Day Sport Fishing License: $15.00

Nonresident 3-Day Sport Fishing License: $30.00

Nonresident 7-Day Sport Fishing License: $45.00

Nonresident 1-Day King Salmon Stamp: $15.00

Nonresident 3-Day King Salmon Stamp: $30.00

Nonresident 7-Day King Salmon Stamp: $45.00
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Best Practices to Come Prepared

The best move is to purchase your fishing license online on the Alaska Fish & Game website before your trip. You can also purchase a fishing license at the marina, but this could take away from valuable fishing time.

Print the fishing license, sign it and set a reminder to bring the license with you.

The King Salmon Stamp is a purchase you can make in addition to your license.
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Guests who are not fishing do not need a license. 

​Svenson Sportfishing Team