The price depends on whether you’re an Alaska resident, how long you plan to fish, and whether you need a King Salmon Stamp.
Alaska fishing license fees for residents
| License type | Cost |
| Annual sport fishing license | $20 |
| Low-income annual sport fishing license | $5 |
| Annual sport fishing license for blind residents | $0.50 |
| Senior resident identification card (age 60+) | Free |
| Qualifying disabled veteran identification card | Free |
| Annual King Salmon Stamp | $10 |
The low-income license is available to eligible residents whose household income meets Alaska’s requirements. Blind residents and qualifying disabled veterans may also be eligible for special licensing options.
Alaska non-resident fishing license cost
If you’re visiting Alaska from another state, you’ll generally need an Alaska non-resident fishing license. Short-term licenses are available for visitors who don’t need an annual permit.
| License type | Cost |
| One-day sport fishing license | $15 |
| Three-day sport fishing license | $30 |
| Seven-day sport fishing license | $45 |
| 14-day sport fishing license | $75 |
| Annual sport fishing license | $100 |
| One-day King Salmon Stamp | $15 |
| Three-day King Salmon Stamp | $30 |
| Seven-day King Salmon Stamp | $45 |
| 14-day King Salmon Stamp | $75 |
| Annual King Salmon Stamp | $100 |
Note: If you plan to fish for king salmon, you generally also need a one-day King Salmon Stamp for another $15. That brings the total to $30 before any applicable additional fees.
The King Salmon Stamp is not required for every species of salmon. It applies specifically to king salmon, with certain exemptions, including fishing for king salmon in stocked lakes.
Planning a salmon trip? Browse nearby rivers and check conditions before you go.
Types of Alaska fishing licenses
| License | Who it’s for | Cost | Key details |
| Resident annual sport fishing license | Alaska residents | $20 | Requires 12 consecutive months of Alaska domicile and intent to remain in the state indefinitely. |
| Low-income, blind, or disabled veteran options | Eligible Alaska residents | $5 (low-income), $0.50 (blind), free (disabled veteran ID card) | Eligibility requirements apply. |
| Senior Permanent ID Card | Alaska residents aged 60+ | Free | Covers sport fishing, hunting, and trapping. Exempt from the King Salmon Stamp, but a free Sport Fishing Harvest Record Card may still be needed for species with annual harvest limits. Not available to visitors. |
| Non-resident short-term license | Visitors on a short vacation or guided trip | $15 (1-day), $30 (3-day), $45 (7-day), $75 (14-day) | Choose the duration that matches your trip. |
| Non-resident annual license | Visitors fishing throughout the calendar year | $100 | Visitors aged 60+ must still buy a non-resident license. |
| King Salmon Stamp | Anyone fishing for king salmon | Resident $10 (annual). Non-resident $15 / $30 / $45 / $75 / $100, matching the license duration. | Required for king salmon, including catch-and-release, except in stocked landlocked lakes. Not required for other salmon species. Exempt: eligible resident seniors and qualifying disabled veterans with ID cards. |
Alaska fishing license age requirements
The Alaska fishing license age rules differ for residents and non-residents:
- Alaska residents under 18: Generally do not need a sport fishing license.
- Alaska residents aged 18 and older: Must generally purchase a sport fishing license.
- Non-residents under 16: Do not need a sport fishing license.
- Non-residents aged 16 and older: Must generally purchase a sport fishing license.
Even anglers who are exempt from purchasing a license may need to carry a harvest record card when fishing for species with annual harvest limits. Check the regulations for the species and location you plan to fish.
Where to get a fishing license
- Visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game online store to purchase a sport fishing license or King Salmon Stamp. You can access your license electronically or print a copy, following the instructions provided when you purchase it.
- Licenses and stamps are also available at many sporting goods stores, licensed vendors, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game offices.
Before purchasing, confirm that you’ve selected the correct license type and duration. Keep your license accessible while fishing and follow any applicable harvest-record requirements.
Most sport fishing licenses are valid from the date of purchase through December 31 of that calendar year. Short-term non-resident licenses are valid for the selected one-, three-, seven-, or 14-day period.
Alaska commercial fishing license
A commercial fishing license is different from a recreational sport fishing license. Commercial fishing involves harvesting fish for sale and may require specific permits, vessel registration, and crew licenses.
Requirements depend on the fishery, species, gear, and fishing area. Commercial fishing permits and entry permits are administered through the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission, while other registrations and requirements may involve additional agencies.
Plan your next trip with Fishbox
Whether you’re fishing Alaska’s lakes and salmon rivers or heading out on the coast, conditions change with the season, the weather, and the tide. Fishbox helps you find spots near you and check forecasts so you can choose your day with more information. No forecast can promise fish, but it can help you pick a better window.