Exciting Updates for King Salmon Fishing in Southeast Alaska
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has just released the highly anticipated 2023 sport fishing regulations for king salmon in Southeast Alaska, including some exciting modifications specifically for the Juneau Area. These regulations will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023, until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
What You Need to Know as an Alaskan Resident
For Alaskan residents, the bag and possession limit for king salmon is two fish, each measuring 28 inches or greater in length. However, there’s more good news for Alaskan anglers! From March 10 through March 31, 2023, and October 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024, you are allowed to use two rods when fishing for king salmon. Just keep in mind that under this regulation, you may only retain salmon.
What Nonresidents Should Keep in Mind
If you’re a nonresident looking to experience the thrill of king salmon fishing in Alaska, there are a few rules to be aware of. The bag and possession limit for nonresidents is one king salmon, measuring 28 inches or greater in length. However, the annual harvest limit varies based on the time of year:
- From January 1 through June 30, you are allowed to harvest up to three king salmon, each measuring 28 inches or greater in length.
- From July 1 through July 15, the annual harvest limit is two king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length. It’s important to note that any king salmon caught between January 1 and June 30 will apply towards this two-fish limit.
- From July 16 through December 31, the annual harvest limit for nonresidents is one king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length. Again, any king salmon caught between January 1 and July 15 will count towards this one-fish limit.
As a nonresident angler, it’s crucial to immediately record the species, date, and location of any landed and retained king salmon on the back of your sport fishing license or a nontransferable harvest record.
Special Regulations for Juneau Area
The bag and possession limits mentioned above apply to the entire Southeast region, except for certain inside waters close to Juneau. Here are the details:
Marine Waters near Juneau (except Seymour Canal and upper Taku Inlet)
If you’re fishing in the waters of District 9, north of a line from Patterson Point to Point Ellis, District 10, Sections 11-A, 11-B, 11-C, District 12, a portion of Section 13-C southeast of a line between Nismeni Point and a point on the Chichagof Island shoreline, Sections 14-B and 14-C, and District 15 south of the latitude of Sherman Rock (please refer to the attached map), the following regulations apply:
From April 1 through June 14, 2023, there is no retention of king salmon. All king salmon caught during this period must be released immediately.
Taku River Adjacent Waters
If you’re planning to fish in the waters adjacent to the Taku River (Taku Inlet north of a line from Point Bishop to Point Greely, please see the attached map), take note of the following regulations:
From April 1 through June 30, 2023, you are not allowed to retain king salmon. Any king salmon caught in this period must be released immediately.
King Salmon River Adjacent Waters
For anglers interested in fishing in the waters adjacent to the King Salmon River (Section 11-D, Seymour Canal north of 57° 37′ N. latitude, see attached map), please be aware of the following regulation:
From April 1 through June 30, 2023, this area is closed to king salmon fishing. Anglers are not permitted to target or retain king salmon during this period.
Stay Informed for the Best Fishing Experience
The Pacific Salmon Commission has introduced a new method for setting the annual king salmon catch limit in Southeast Alaska. Under this new approach, the catch limit will be allocated among different gear types based on Board of Fisheries approved management plans. The exact catch limit for the 2023 Southeast Alaska king salmon season will be determined in early April. Until then, the fishing regulations set for the 2022 season will remain in effect. Any necessary updates to the regional sport fishing regulations will be made in April.
Keep an eye out for another news release that will provide more detailed information on regulations for locations where Alaska hatchery-produced king salmon are expected to return.
If you’re planning to fish north of the Juneau area, please review the news release announcing regulations for the Haines/Skagway area. Similarly, if you’ll be fishing south of Juneau, it’s essential to review the news release regarding regulations for the Petersburg/Wrangell and Ketchikan areas.
For further information, contact Juneau Area Management Biologist, Daniel Teske, at (907) 465-8152 or visit the official website of Hook’d Up Bar and Grill.
Remember, at Hook’d Up Bar and Grill, we’re passionate about providing you with the latest updates and information on the Alaska King Salmon Season! Happy fishing!