FishKillFlea Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) manages the Alaska sport fishing license. The alaska fishing license cost is an astonishing $20 for residents — one of the cheapest in America for what many consider the world's greatest fishing. Non-residents pay $100 for a full year of salmon, halibut, and trout access.
2025-2026 Alaska Fishing License Cost — Resident
The ADF&G fishing license costs (source: ADF&G Official):
| License | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual | $20.00 | Calendar year | All species — fresh & salt |
| Resident Senior (60+) | FREE | Permanent | ADF&G ID Card required |
| Resident Under 18 | FREE | — | No license needed |
| Low-Income Resident | $5.00 | Annual | Qualifying income |
| Disabled Veteran (AK res) | FREE | Permanent | ADF&G ID Card required |
| King Salmon Stamp (res) | +$15.00 | Annual | Required for chinook (NOT stocked lakes) |
Alaska Fishing License Non-Resident
The Alaska fishing license non resident costs:
| License | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NR Annual | $100.00 | Calendar year |
| NR 14-Day | $65.00 | 14 days |
| NR 7-Day | $45.00 | 7 days |
| NR 3-Day | $30.00 | 3 days |
| NR 1-Day | $15.00 | 1 day |
| NR Under 16 | FREE | — |
| King Salmon Stamp (NR) | +$30.00 | Annual |
Halibut Stamp (2026+)
Starting 2026, a Halibut Stamp is required for sport fishing in areas 2C (Southeast AK) and 3A (Southcentral AK including Homer and Seward). Your charter typically purchases this on your behalf.
Compare Alaska With Other Destination States
| State | Res Annual | NR Annual | NR 1-Day | Senior Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $31.00 | $117.50 | $31.50 | 62+ $16.50 |
| Idaho | $35.50 | $118.00 | $13.50 | 65+ $15.75 |
| Wyoming | $27.00 | $102.50 | $14.00 | 65+ FREE |
| Oregon | $44.00 | $98.50 | $20.75 | 70+ $6.00 |
| Washington | $30.05 | $84.50 | $14.75 | 70+ $7.70 |
Alaska at $20 resident is one of the cheapest in the US — for the best fishing on Earth! NR $100 annual is comparable to Montana ($117.50) and Idaho ($118), making it a bargain for world-class king salmon and halibut.
FAQ
How much is an Alaska fishing license for non-residents?
The Alaska fishing license non resident costs $100 annual, $65 for 14 days, $45 for 7 days, $30 for 3 days, or $15 for 1 day. Add $30 King Salmon Stamp if targeting kings. Kids under 16 fish free! See AK fishing spots for Kenai River and Bristol Bay.
Do I need anything beyond the fishing license?
Yes — a King Salmon Stamp (+$15 res / +$30 NR) if you'll fish for chinook, plus a free Harvest Record Card for species with annual limits. See license types.