Navigating Alaska Halibut Fishing Regulations: Size, Bag, and Season Limits
Key Insights
- One halibut per angler daily bag limit in 2024 as per Alaska Halibut Fishing Regulations.
- One halibut can be any size, one must be less than 40 inches in length.
- No annual limit.
- Halibut fishing on charter is prohibited on all Fridays in 2024.
A significant amount of time, money, and effort is put forward by the Alaskan Gamefisher to create the finest regulations possible for their guided sport fishery.
The objectives are to provide equitable access to the resources for recreational fishermen from all over the nation and to support the long-term viability of the resources.
For additional information about Alaskan Gamefisher owner and lead guide, Captain Mel Erickson, visit https://www.alaskangamefisher.com/.
Nobody can restrict the enjoyment, the beauty, the experience, or the bonding with friends and family that comes with fishing, according to the Alaskan Gamefisher ethics.
They take such fantastic care of your catch from the time you catch it until it is hard frozen and wrapped for shipment home because they know how essential the fish you take home are to your experience.
99% of the reasons people travel to the region for Alaska halibut season—the high caliber of service at Alaskan Gamefisher—remain the same despite the constantly shifting regulatory environment.
2024 Halibut Fishing Regulations
- Daily Bag Limit – February 1, 2024, to July 14, 2024 – One person per day either under 40 inches or over 80 inches and July 15, 2024, to December 31, 2024 – One person per day, either under 36 inches or over 80 inches.
- Annual Limits – None
- Weekly Closure – As per New Regulations for Alaskan Halibut, from July 19 to September 13, 2024. On Fridays, it is forbidden to retain halibut.
- Timings – A fast-paced halibut season is to be expected. From May through September, we have excellent success catching halibut up to the maximum size of 40/36 inches. Now and again, particularly in May and June, we manage to catch halibut that is longer than 80 inches.
- Size – 10-450 pounds. Various sizes are seen during halibut fishing in Alaska. One can catch them if the weather permits because the ocean offers the best fishing!
Chinook (King) Salmon
Daily Bag Limit
- January 1 to June 30 – One King salmon per day per person, 28 inches and above in length. Non-residents can fish 3 King Salmon annually.
- July 1 to July 15 – One King salmon fishing in Alaska per day per person, 28 inches and above in length, and 2 King salmon limits for Non-residents.
- July 16 to December 31 – One King salmon per day per person, 28 inches and above in length, and 1 King salmon limit for Non-residents.
Any king salmon annual limit starts from the time of fishing. For example, if a non-resident harvests a King salmon in July and returns in August, his annual limit is exhausted.
Coho (Silver) Salmon
- Daily Bag Limit – The limit per person per day is a maximum of 6 salmons.
- Annual Limits – None
- Timings – June through late July, the average size is 6–10 pounds; in August and September, it is 8–12 pounds. Silvers put on weight quickly in the heat. Mid-August sees silvers weighing 12 to 15 pounds on average; with the elusive 20-pound hooknose possible.
Salmon Shark
- Daily limit – 1 salmon shark per person
- Annual Limits – 2 salmon sharks per person
- Timings – Salmon Sharks are seen from July to September
- Size – 60- 300 pounds
Chum (Dog) Salmon
- Daily limit – 6 salmon per person
- Annual Limits – None
- Timings – Chum Salmon are spotted Mid-July – mid-August
- Size – 60- 300 pounds
The typical size is 6–10 pounds. However, some can weigh up to 15 or more. It is not a yearly goal but can be abundant in some years. When fishing in the ocean, remember that these creatures are fierce fighters, aggressive feeders, and greatly underestimated as table fare.
Would you like to go fishing for halibut in Alaska?
To enter the waters, you must have an Alaskan fishing license. You should also be aware of Alaskan halibut fishing rules and regulations. Fishing trips to Alaska are unique and provide the excitement and thrill of catching some of the most sought-after species worldwide.
You can read “All About Halibut Fishing Trips in Alaska: Your Ultimate Guide” to know more about Alaska sport fishing regulations.
