Regulations for Nonresidents
King Salmon: The king salmon abundance index(AI) is an educated guess as to the number of kings available in the waters of Alaska, Canada, and Washington. This AI is also what the State of Alaska uses to set the regulations for both sport and commercial harvest. This years AI came in much lower than expected, resulting in more restrictive regulations. This years Sport Regulation for Sitka are as follows:
- January 1 through June 30 - 1 king/day and three kings/yearJune 30 through July 15 - 1 king/day and two kings/year
- July 16 through December 31 - No retention of king salmon with the exception of one over 48 inches in length.
Halibut: Two halibut per day, one of which has to be less than 32 inches
Ling Cod: Open May 16 – June 15 and from August 16 – November 30, 1 per day, 1 in possession, 30-inch minimum and 35-inch maximum size limit, with an annual limit of one lingcod; (PDF)
Silver Salmon: Six per day, no annual limit
Pink Salmon: Six per day, no annual limit Chum Salmon: Six per day, no annual limit
Rockfish: Pelagic rockfish (aka sea bass): Limits: 5 daily, no annual limit.
Non-pelagic rockfish: 2 fish per day, only 1 may be a yelloweye. Annual limit of 2 yelloweye rockfish.
Shark: One per day. Annual limit of two.
Regarding Regulations: Angling Unlimited spends a good deal of time, effort, and money working toward the best regulations possible for the guided sport fishery. Our goals are supporting the long term sustainability of the resources as well are fair access to the resource for sport fishers from around the country. If you would like to learn more about a new organization formed by Captain Tom Ohaus and other concerned lodge/charter operators in Southeast Alaska, go to http://www.seagoalaska.org
Our philosophy toward the fishing remains the same – the fun, the beauty, the experience, and the comradery with friends and family remains unchanged – nobody can put a limit on any of these things. We recognize the take home fish are important to your experience; that’s why we take such good care of your catch from the moment you catch it until it’s hard frozen and boxed for shipment home. Amidst this changing landscape of regulations, we believe that 99% of what people come to Alaska to experience remains right here with the quality of service at Angling Unlimited and on the beautiful salt water wilderness surrounding Sitka.