The saltwater and freshwater fishing regulations for 2013 – 2014 have been published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The summary below sorts out what applies to non-residents who are unguided, sport fishermen for the northern and southern Southeast Alaska region.
Fresh water anglers and guided (charter) folks should consult the complete regulation which is available online at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishregulations.se_sportfish.
There are some new regulations this year:
- While charter boats must have a deep water release mechanism for non-pelagic rockfish release, resident and non-resident unguided anglers do not.
- Footgear with absorbent felt or fibrous material on the soles are prohibited while sport fishing in fresh waters.
- Non-residents are limited to 4 crab pots or 10 crab rings per person and no more than 10 crab pots or 20 crab rings per vessel. Residents can use 5 crab pots and no more than 10 per vessel.
- In Chatham Strait and Lower Lynn Canal there is an annual limit for non-residents on Sable Fish (Black Cod) of 8 fish per year.
The General Regulations summary by species for non-resident saltwater sport fishing include:
- Coho (Silver), Chum (Dog), Pink (Humpy) and Sockeye Salmon 16 inches or longer – 6 each species per day and 12 of each species in possession
- Coho, Chum, Pink and Sockeye (in combination) under 16 inches – 6 per day and 12 in possession
- Sable Fish (Black Cod)(other than special area noted above) – 4 daily, 4 in possession
- Ling Cod (Northern SE Alaska) – 1 daily, 1 in possession 30-35 inches or 55 inches and longer with an annual limit of 2 fish, one in each size range
- Ling Cod (Southern SE Alaska) – 1 daily, 1 in possession 30-45 inches or 55 inches and longer with an annual limit of 2 fish, one in each size range
- Halibut – 2 per day (no size limit), 4 in possession
- Non-Pelagic Rockfish (SE Inside Waters) – no size limit, 2 daily with only 1 being a Yelloweye, 4 in possession with only 2 being a Yelloweye. annual limit of 2 Yelloweye
- Dungeness Crab – 3 male crabs daily and in possession, 6 ½ inches minimum
I will devote a separate blog to shellfish harvesting as there are some special pot requirements and buoy marking. Keep in mind, a valid Alaska sport fishing license is required for taking crab and shrimp.
