2026 Alaska Fishing Regulations:
Ketchikan Charter Guest Guide
Planning a fishing trip to Ketchikan? Understanding the 2026 Alaska fishing regulations will help you maximize your time on the water while staying compliant.
At Ketchikan Fishing Company, we simplify the details so you can focus on fishing. Below is a complete breakdown of limits, seasons, and key rules for the 2026 season.
Halibut Fishing Regulations (2026 Alaska)
The Pacific Halibut is the ultimate Alaska heavyweight. These flatfish can get huge (like, bigger-than-you-expect huge) and pulling one up feels like reeling in a barn door. They hang out on the ocean floor, but when you hook one, it’s all business (especially for your arms). But the reward? Some of the best, cleanest-tasting white fish you’ll ever eat!
Daily Limit:
- One halibut per person
Size Restrictions (Reverse Slot Limit):
- 34 inches or smaller, or
- 80 inches or larger
Thursday Closures:
- No halibut retention on Thursdays
- June 18 through September 10
For a full breakdown of halibut-specific rules, visit: 2026 Halibut Fishing Regulations in Ketchikan, Alaska
Coho (Silver) Salmon Regulations (2026 Alaska)
Coho Salmon are where things get fun. They’re aggressive, they jump, and they love to put on a show. If you want action-packed fishing in Ketchikan, silvers deliver. Plus, they taste amazing… perfect for the grill after a long day on the water.
Daily Limit:
- Six per person
Season Timing:
- Late June or early July through mid-September
Average Size:
- Early season: 6 to 10 pounds
- Late season (mid-August through September): 12 to 15 pounds
Chinook (King) Salmon Regulations (2026 Alaska)
The King Salmon (also known as Chinook) are Alaska’s most prized catch, famous for their massive size and rich, buttery flavor. These fish can exceed 50 pounds and are known for powerful, drag-screaming runs that make them a bucket-list target in Ketchikan.
Daily Limit:
- Nonresidents: One per person (28 inches or greater)
- Residents: Two per person
Annual Limit (Nonresidents):
- Three total through June 30
- One total from July 1 through the remainder of the season
Important:
All retained king salmon count toward your annual limit at the time of harvest.
If you reach your limit early, you cannot retain additional king salmon later in the season.
Herring Cove Terminal Harvest Area:
- June 1 through July 31
- Three king salmon per day, any size
- These fish do not count toward your annual limit
- Located about 8.5 miles south of downtown Ketchikan
Chum (Dog) Salmon Regulations (2026 Alaska)
Chum Salmon might not get the same spotlight, but they fight hard and don’t quit. You’ll recognize them by their wild stripes and big teeth. They’re also a big part of Alaska’s fishing history. Long before sport fishing, they were a staple for Alaska Native communities and commonly used to feed sled dogs, which is how they got the nickname “dog salmon.”
Daily Limit:
- Six per person
Annual Limit:
- None
Season Timing:
- Mid-July through mid-August
Average Size:
- Early season: 6 to 10 pounds
- Late season (mid-August): 14 to 18 pounds
Lingcod Regulations (2026 Alaska)
Daily Limit:
- One per person
Size Limits:
- 30 to 35 inches, or
- 55 inches or greater
Annual Limit:
- Two total
- One fish between 30 and 35 inches
- One fish over 55 inches
Season Dates:
- May 16 through June 14
- August 16 through November 30
Black Cod (Sablefish) Regulations (2026 Alaska)
Black Cod are the hidden gems of Alaska. They’re one of the best-eating fish out there… rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth good. There’s a reason chefs love them!
Daily Limit:
- Four per person
Annual Limit:
- Eight per person
Typical Size:
- Five to ten pounds, with larger fish possible
Pacific Cod (Sablefish) Regulations (2026 Alaska)
The Pacific Cod are kind of the bonus round. We usually catch these while fishing for halibut, so they’re a great surprise add-on to your trip. Mild, flaky, and super tasty… definitely not a bad “extra” to bring home!!
Daily Limit:
- Unlimited
Annual Limit:
- None
Season Dates:
- Open all season
Typical Size:
- Range from 3 – 15 pounds.
Pelagic Rockfish Regulations (2026 Alaska)
Pelagic Rockfish are perfect if you want steady action. They tend to school up, so when you find them, it’s game on. Fun fact: some rockfish live over 100 years…so yeah, they’ve seen a few fishing trips.
Daily Limit:
- Two per person
Annual Limit:
- None
Season Dates:
- Open all season
Species:
- Includes black, dusky, blue, yellowtail, widow, and dark rockfish
Typical Size:
- Three to eight pounds
How the 2026 Alaska Fishing Regulations Impact Your Trip
The 2026 Alaska fishing regulations are designed to balance conservation with opportunity. Planning your trip around these rules helps you get the best experience possible.
- Early season is ideal for halibut and king salmon retention
- Mid-to-late season offers peak coho fishing
- Pay close attention to annual limits, especially for king salmon
- Fishing with an experienced crew like the one from Ketchikan Fishing Company or Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters helps ensure full compliance
If you have any questions about the 2026 Alaska fishing regulations, our guides are always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2026 Alaska Fishing Regulations
Do I need to know all the regulations before my trip?
No. Your captain will guide you through the 2026 Alaska fishing regulations and ensure everything is handled correctly.
What are the 2026 Alaska fishing regulations for halibut in Ketchikan?
The 2026 Alaska fishing regulations allow one halibut per day. Fish must be 34 inches or smaller or 80 inches or larger. Thursday retention closures apply from June 18 through September 10.
How many king salmon can you keep in Alaska in 2026?
Nonresidents can keep one king salmon per day (28 inches or larger). The annual limit is three through June 30 and one from July 1 onward.
Do king salmon count toward your annual limit immediately?
Yes. Any retained king salmon counts toward your annual limit at the time it is caught. Once you reach your limit, you cannot retain additional king salmon later in the season.
What is the coho salmon limit in Ketchikan for 2026?
Anglers can keep six coho salmon per day. The season runs from late June through mid-September, with larger fish arriving later in the season.
What are the lingcod regulations in Alaska for 2026?
Ling cod limits include one fish per day with size restrictions of 30 to 35 inches or 55 inches or larger. The annual limit is two fish, one in each size category.
Is there a limit on rockfish in Alaska in 2026?
Pelagic rockfish have a daily limit of two per day with no annual cap.
When is the best time to fish in Ketchikan based on regulations?
Early season is best for halibut and king salmon. Mid-to-late season offers peak coho fishing and larger average fish size.
Ketchikan Fishing Company is Proudly Owned by Ketchikan's Finest Fishing Charters
At Ketchikan Fishing Company, we are proud to be owned and operated by Ketchikan Wildlife Tours & Ketchikan Finest Fishing Charters —the #1 rated salmon and halibut fishing charter in Ketchikan. As a family-owned and locally operated business, we uphold the same commitment to excellence, safety, and customer satisfaction that has made us a trusted name in Ketchikan fishing excursions.
When you book a fishing charter with us, you’re choosing a locally trusted, cruise-friendly company that is dedicated to delivering an authentic Alaskan fishing experience.
