If you’re planning a fishing vacation in Alaska, you’re going to need a fishing license. Whether you’re halibut fishing, salmon fishing, or any other kind of fishing, licenses are required for all non-Alaskan residents over the age of 16. Thankfully, the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) has made obtaining your fishing license a piece of cake. Here, we’ll teach you all you need to know about what you need to legally sport fish in Alaska.
If you’re planning a fishing vacation in Alaska, you’re going to need a fishing license. Whether you’re halibut fishing, salmon fishing, or any other kind of fishing, licenses are required for all non-Alaskan residents over the age of 16. Thankfully, the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) has made obtaining your fishing license a piece of cake. In this article, we’ll teach you all you need to know about what you need to legally sport fish in Alaska.
Getting your license is a very simple process. All you’ll need to do is visit the ADFG’s website and fill out a simple form. After your purchase is completed you’ll be able to either print a physical copy or download a digital PDF copy to keep on your phone. If you choose to use your digital copy, don’t forget to provide an electronic signature.
During your stay at Pybus Point Lodge our guides will help you catch as many fish as possible. While the time of year that you visit us might affect your odds of catching certain types of salmon, we’ve never seen a guest go home without plenty of fish! Our area of southeast Alaska is full of wild halibut, rock fish, ling cod, multiple different species of salmon, and many more fish species. The only limit on the amount of fish you’re able to take home is the limit set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the same agency that regulates fishing licenses.
The ADFG and United is responsible for managing all of the ocean waters that are within the state’s jurisdiction and they take their job very seriously; afterall, they have a very serious job. ADFG agents work together to honor their mission statement
“To protect, maintain and improve the fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of the state, and manage their use and development in the best interest of the economy and the well-being of the people of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle.”
They routinely patrol the waters we fish in and it’s not uncommon for the agency to board our fishing vessels to make sure that both our guides and guests are following all of the rules. Part of why they do this is to protect the Alaskan oceans from the dangers of overfishing. Overfishing is a serious issue that destabilizes the entire ecosystem: when the population of one fish species is depleted the entire local food chain is disturbed and everything from whales to invertebrates suffer.
While the limits may be frustrating at times, they exist to help maintain a healthy ecosystem and ensure that Alaska will remain a haven for outdoorsmen and naturalists for generations to come.
At Pybus, we respect the ADFG and share the common goal of preserving Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife. This is why we strictly adhere to the limits and regulations set by the ADFG. If you’d like to know what the current limits are for yourself, feel free to check out the state and local regulations on the ADFG’s website. But don’t feel any pressure to memorize every little rule, our guides are experts in local fishing regulations—and everything else fishing related—and they’re here to help you catch as many fish as legally possible.
You might be asking yourself how exactly we expect you to take your massive boxes of frozen fish home with you. Well, don’t worry, we’ve made sure that getting your fish home is a stress-free experience! If you’re interested in finding out what that process looks like, we’ve explained the steps in detail here for you.
Anglers from around the world flock to Alaska during the summer months to experience the magic of the North Pacific. If you’d like to know more about the types of fish you can expect to catch, click here!
As you can see, obtaining a valid Alaskan fishing license is as easy as can be. Simply visit the ADFG’s website and select which length of license is best for you. And as always, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. If you'd like to put your fishing license to good use, come fish with our team of professional fishing guides at Pybus Point Lodge!
Download, share, or print out our PDF Packaging list to make sure you bring all the gear you need for your Alaska vacation!
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LEARN MOREDiscover why people like you can’t stop talking about Pybus Point Lodge. More than 30 years ago, the lodge opened as a simple fishing camp, drawing a devoted following in spite of basic accommodations. With new owners and experienced captains and crew, our corner of Alaska has become an unbeatable fishing and eco-tourism resort.
Andrea Tate
Incredible Experience!
Pybus Point Lodge has some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever seen. I mean absolutely breathtaking! In addition to the amazing fishing, I hiked to a beautiful secluded lake, soaked in some hot pots, saw several waterfalls, went whale watching, saw bears and all kinds of wildlife and marine life. As a photographer, photographing a wedding under a waterfall will remain a highlight of my life.
Shirley Johnson
Pybus Point Lodge - WOW!
We had the best time! This was our first visit to Pybus, but it definitely will not be our last. The stunning scenery, amazing fishing experience, and the joy of meeting new friends – all outstanding! We did not want to leave!!! If you are thinking about this trip – don’t think any more, just book it. You will not regret it!!!
Sharon Hedding
Trip of a Lifetime!
We had such an amazing time the staff was so wonderful and the lodge was fantastic! capt Joe was so helpful and always doing what ever he could do to make each day special. a special thank you to both Scott and Jody for taking the time to make us feel like family. can't wait to go back next year
Jason Nielsen
Wonderful and Magical Place
We had an amazing business retreat to Pybus Point Lodge. Everything was top notch... the fishing, the staff, the boat captains, the food, the accommodations, and especially the scenery. I really liked that Pybus took care of everything from start to finish. Chef John is an amazing cook. We had delicious hot meals the entire trip. The cabins were amazing and very comfortable. The fishing was awesome and that’s coming from a guy that doesn’t fish that much.
Brandon Foote
We brought home 100lbs of fish!
My wife and I spent a week at Pybus Point this Summer. We had a beautiful, private room overlooking the bay and our own new, ensuite, private bathroom. What an amazing place for couples to get away together. We set our own breakfast time, met our boat captain after, fished the day along, and returned to clean up and enjoy a nice dinner at the restaurant. Next time Alaska is on the trip list, Sherrie and I will go together, and it will be to Pybus Point!
Kent Danjanovich
Fun in Alaska
This was my first trip to Pybus Point. I stayed in one of their new cabins. The accommodations were incredible, the view onto the bay in the mornings was stunning. I loved the staff and the food was really very good. All of this and they have new boats to take you out onto fairly calm waters to fish. The fishing guides were great. Overall a great experience. Definitely going back.
