Understanding the Alaska Sportfishing Regulations

To understand the complex fishing regulations, it is essential to realize just how big the state really is. Alaska covers about 663,267 square miles. For comparison, Texas covers around 261,914 square miles. That means Texas could fit inside Alaska more than twice! Alaska stretches over 1,400 miles from east to west, and over 1,400 miles from north to south. It is so large that it covers over 17% of the total land area of the United States.

Except for Pacific Halibut, which are governed by the Pacific Halibut treaty between Canada and the United States, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game manages all other game fish in the state. Because our state is so big, the ADF&G has developed both statewide and regional regulations, and each region has its own offices and personnel to manage the fisheries. The four regions are Northern Alaska, Southwest Alaska, Southcentral Alaska, and Southeast Alaska, the home of Boardwalk Lodge on Prince of Wales Island. We encourage each angler to obtain a copy of the regulations before coming to Alaska. You may order hard copies for all Sport Fish regulation summaries by visiting the ADF&G website or calling them at (907) 465-4180. We admit the complexity of the rules mystifies most anglers. The state and regional regulations cover Alaska resident anglers, subsistence users, personal use fisheries, and the two million-plus annual state visitors, many of whom come to fish in our famous Alaska waters.

Specific to Southeast Alaska and Area 2C (Boardwalk Lodge home waters), catch and size limits are set for nearly all sport fish species in freshwater and saltwater environments. Each region can also have special regulations for certain waters. The state may also issue Emergency Orders (temporary regulation changes) anytime. Penalties for even minor fish and game violations can be severe. The primary responsibility for enforcing Alaska's fish and wildlife-related statutes and regulations lies with the Alaska Department of Public Safety, through its Division of Alaska Wildlife Troopers.

Do the regulations sound intimidating? For the uninformed, yes, but not for our Boardwalk fishing guests. We are always up to date on the regulations, look forward to sharing our knowledge with you, and take pride in our ability to provide a regulation worry-free fishing experience you will want to repeat year after year.