Alaska salmon fishing is probably at the top of your bucket list as a fisherman. Between the unique environment and fantastic fishing opportunities, fishing in Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You know you want to fish here, but you might not know where to go or how many fish you can bring home. This guide tells you how many salmon you can catch in Alaska, when the fishing season is, how to get a fishing license, and why Kodiak Sportsman’s Lodge is the best place to stay.
Are you interested in when you can go fishing in Kodiak? Contact us to learn more!
Alaska is famous for its abundant salmon runs. When fishing in Alaska, you may catch incredible numbers of Pacific salmon. But there are limits to how many salmon you can actually keep. Alaska carefully regulates salmon fishing to protect future runs.
I researched Alaska’s salmon fishing regulations to provide a clear guide on how many salmon you can retain when fishing in the state. Here are the details on Alaska salmon limits for common recreational fishing methods
Overview of Alaska Salmon Possession Limits
Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game sets daily and annual limits on how many salmon you can catch and keep, depending on where you fish and how you fish. Key points:
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The annual limit for all salmon combined is 5 fish total.
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The daily limit ranges from 2-3 fish for each of the 5 Pacific salmon species
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You can keep certain combinations of salmon, up to 3 fish total per day.
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There are exceptions for “uncaned salmon”, allowing more pink and chum salmon.
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Limits vary by area, so check regulations for where you’ll be fishing.
It is the goal of the rules that anglers can keep enough salmon for a meal while also making sure that future returns happen. Read on for more details on possession limits by species and area.
Daily and Annual Limits for Common Alaska Salmon
Here are the standard daily and annual salmon limits for popular fishing locations in Alaska:
King (Chinook) Salmon
- Daily: 2 per day
- Annual: 5 total
Sockeye (Red) Salmon
- Daily: 3 per day
- Annual: 5 total
Coho (Silver) Salmon
- Daily: 2 per day
- Annual: 5 total
Pink Salmon
- Daily: 3 per day
- Annual: 5 total
Chum Salmon
- Daily: 3 per day
- Annual: 5 total
Exceptions: “Uncanned Salmon” Allow Higher Limits
In some areas, you can keep more pink and chum salmon under “uncanned salmon” regulations. These allow:
- 10 pink salmon per day, 30 total annually
- 10 chum salmon per day, 30 total annually
Check the specific area you’ll be fishing to see if uncanned salmon rules apply there.
Combination Salmon Limits
While each salmon species has a daily limit, your total daily limit for all salmon combined is:
- 3 salmon per day in most areas
So you could keep 1 king, 1 sockeye, and 1 coho in a day. But not the full daily limit of each species.
There are a few exceptions with higher combinations allowed in some zones. Again, check the regulations for where you’ll be fishing.
Area-Specific Salmon Fishing Limits in Alaska
Salmon limits can vary in different regions of Alaska. It’s essential to check the local fishing regulations based on where you’ll be salmon fishing.
For example, in Southeast Alaska limits include:
- 2 king salmon per day, 5 total annually
- 3 other salmon per day, 5 total annually
While in Bristol Bay:
- 2 salmon per day, 5 total annually
- Only 1 king salmon per year
Be sure to consult the Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations for salmon limits in the specific area you’ll be fishing. Regulations are available online for different regions of the state.
Tips to Stay Within Your Salmon Limits
To avoid busting your salmon limits while fishing in Alaska:
- Review the fishing regulations for the area before each trip
- Note the daily and annual limits for each species
- Track your catch numbers on a clipboard or fishing app
- Release fish once you’ve reached your limit
- Follow any size restrictions for legal keepers
Careful tracking against the limits will help ensure you have an amazing Alaskan salmon fishing experience while staying within the rules.
Enjoy Alaska’s Salmon Bounty Responsibly
Alaska’s pristine waters offer incredible salmon fishing opportunities. By following the daily and seasonal possession limits, we can all help ensure healthy salmon returns year after year. Know the regulations, track your catch, and only keep what you’re allowed. Now get out there and catch some of Alaska’s finest salmon!
How Many Salmon Can You Catch in Alaska?
Depending on the season, you can catch a different number of Alaskan Salmons. The daily per person limits are two King Salmon from May to September. Although a low daily limit, they are large fish and provide adequate serving sizes to take home.
If you book your trip with us at Kodiak Sportsman’s Lodge, you can choose to stay for three days or almost a week. This gives you many days to catch several King Salmon. We also have other kinds of fish in our water, like Halibut, Yellow Eye, Black Bass, and Grey Cod after you’ve caught your daily limit.
From August to September, as late as the year goes on, each person can only catch five Silver Salmon per day. They usually weigh about 15 pounds, so you can bring home enough fish to fill your fridges. You can catch Halibut, Ling Cod, Gray Cod, Yellow Eye, and Black Bass after you’ve caught it all for the day.
When Can You Go Salmon Fishing in Alaska?
Because they are so big, firm, and full of flavor, king (Chinook) salmon are one of the most sought-after fish. When it comes to salmon fishing, Alaska offers a unique experience of the best fishing.
Peak Alaska king salmon fishing season runs from May through Mid-July but can be found here year-round. We have a “Trophy King” season from May to June, when you can catch kings that weigh 30 to 90 pounds and feed in the water around Kodiak, Alaska. Some people come to catch the 50-pound plus chrome bright king salmon.
Alaska also has Silver (Coho) salmon, which swims quickly and aggressively and has firm, mild, orange flesh that is great for grilling or canning. They typically run from ten-to-22-pounds and show up around early July. They are fished much like we fish for Alaskan King Salmon. Alaska’s silver salmon fishing is at its peak from mid-August into September.
Alaska Salmon Identification – Alaska Fishin
FAQ
How many salmon can you keep a day in Alaska?
How many salmon can a non-resident keep in Alaska?
What is the pink salmon limit in Alaska?
How many pounds of fish can you bring back from Alaska?
Are there new king salmon fishing regulations in Alaska?
The following press releases are courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Revised 2022 Regional King Salmon Sport Fishing Regulations for the Ketchikan Area (Juneau) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is announcing revised 2022 sport fishing regulations for king salmon in Southeast Alaska and Yakutat.
How many salmon can you catch in Alaska?
Yes, there are limits on the number of salmon you can catch and keep in Alaska. These limits are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and are designed to ensure the sustainability of the state’s salmon populations. The limits can vary by species, location, and time of year. Typically these range from 3-5 for most species.
Do you need a license to fish for salmon in Alaska?
These regulations, which are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, cover aspects such as fishing seasons, bag limits, and gear restrictions. Before you can fish for salmon in Alaska, you’ll need to obtain a fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online, at most outdoor stores, or at Fish and Game offices.
Are there new king salmon fishing regulations in Sitka?
Revised 2022 Regional King Salmon Sport Fishing Regulations for the Sitka Area (Sitka) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is announcing a revision of the 2022 sport fishing regulations for king salmon in Southeast Alaska and Yakutat.