How to get a fishing license in Alaska?

Each year, the state of Alaska becomes a dream location for many visiting and local fishermen who usually practice this sport either for fun or as a way of supplying food to their homes. However, all of them must apply for a fishing license according to their purpose or motivation.

You can easily obtain this document online, but make sure it contains an official stamp; if it does not have the stamp, it will not be valid, without exception.

In consequence, if you want to know how to apply for a fishing license in Alaska, keep reading this article to find out more about the criteria and application process.

General License Application Criteria

Age requirements

You can be eligible for applying among a wide variety of licenses depending on its purpose: whether it is to participate in hunting, fishing for personal use, commercial fishing, sport fishing, or hunting guide.

In addition, your residence status (resident, non-resident, member of the military, disabled veteran, and senior resident who are 60 years or older) will also define the type of license you are allowed to purchase.

For detailed information, please check the following criteria:

Above all, make sure to search for the regulations of the area where you plan to fish, and do not forget to check the rules of the waterway.

Get it online

Now, if you are willing to request a fishing license, this is what you have to do:

First, go to the official website of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, in the section ‘Store’. Click here to access it.
Click on “Shop Now”.
If you have already registered, click on “Log In” at the bottom of the page.
If you fo not have an account, then you can write all the required information and click “Start Shopping”.

After that, you will see your dashboard and you can check the different licenses that the ADF&G provides. Follow the prompts and buy the one that you want.

On the other hand, you can get more information by exploring the official website, or you may also contact the Local Alaska Department of Fish & Game Office by calling to (907) 465-2376.

Validity time

Licenses are valid from the date of purchase until December 31st of the year of acquisition; however, there are exceptions on capture licenses and short-term non-resident fishing licenses.

Capture licenses are valid from the start date until September 30th of the following year.
And short-term non-resident fishing licenses are valid for 1, 3, 7, or 14 days only.

Formats

Printed / electronic:

This format is available at any of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) offices, most license providers, and the online store at the following link:

You will receive a copy of your license in PDF format when the purchase is completed. Once that happens, you will be able to choose among three different options to carry a paper / electronic license:

Printed, physically signed, and carried with you.
Electronic version downloaded to a phone, which is signed using the tools available through the mobile device.
Photo of your license (always signed) taken with a mobile device.

Electronically signed:

This format is only available through the Alaska Department of Fish & Game online store. Once you open an ADF&G account, your license will be automatically signed, and you can save it and view it on your electronic device whenever you want.

Carbon Copy:

Unlike the others, this format is only available from selected vendors and selected ADF&G offices. In case of loss, you must request a duplicate and pay a fee of $5.00.

Other related licenses

King salmon stamp:

Required only for anglers interested in anadromous king salmon fishing with the following age criteria:

Residents: over 18 years old.
Non-residents: over 16 years old.

Alaska Duck Stamp:

Required for anyone who hunts waterfowl, except for residents under the age of 18, and individuals who have a low-income resident license, permanent senior identification (PID) card, or veteran resident disabled license.

See current hunting regulations for details.

Subsistence and Personal Use:

*Only Alaska residents are eligible to participate in Subsistence and Personal use fisheries.

In this case, you will need to apply for a valid license. Besides, some fisheries have seasonal restrictions, gear, and bag limits, so we recommend you to be up to date with the required permit.

For more information, see the Interior, Southcentral, and Southeast information. And always contact the nearest ADF&G office from your area to know the exact fishing and personal use fishing regulations.