Fishing in Alaska

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The first Introduction To Fishing class was hosted by the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Outdoor Adventure Program at JBER’s Otter Lake, June 23, 2016.

Service members, dependents, and Department of Defense ID card holders learned about a variety of fishing equipment and techniques including casting, bait, lures, the importance of knowing fishing regulations, and being an ethical fisher.

Otter Lake is one of 11 lakes on JBER available to people with base access to enjoy fishing, said Trevor Bird, Otter Lake manager and introduction to fishing class instructor. All necessary equipment can be rented at the Outdoor Recreation Center, further reducing the cost for first time fishers.

“People complain, saying there is nothing to do,” Bird said. “There’s plenty to do! People pay thousands of dollars to come to Alaska to fish. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime permanent change of station, which is why many retire here.”

When learning, go with someone who’s fished before, Bird said. Go out with a charter – with a guide.

Wear the proper gear, Bird said. Sunscreen is essential during the summer months. And sunglasses can protect a person’s eyes from more than just the sun’s rays.

Alaska is chock-full of fishing opportunities, the caveat being most areas have specific fishing guidelines, Bird said. Regulations can be specific as to license needed, fish location when caught, fish size, and number of fish caught. Failure to follow the regulations will result in a hefty fine.

To avoid confusion, keep a copy of the fishing regulations with you, said Major Bernard Chastain, Alaska Wildlife Troopers deputy director. This will help answer your questions about things such as closed waters, limits and bait.


Some common things that citations are issued for in Southcentral Alaska include:

-Purchasing a resident license when they are not a resident yet, Chastain said. Read the residency requirements carefully and if you have questions, contact your local Alaska Wildlife Troopers for clarification. Alaska residency comes with benefits. The citation for falsely claiming residency can be expensive and it's not worth it.

-Fishing in closed waters. Some areas are closed to fishing during certain times of the year for spawning and protection of the resource. Make sure that the area you are fishing in is open. Check the regulations, find the area and body of water you plan on fishing in, and make sure the area is open to fishing.

-Snagging. Fish caught in fresh water must be hooked in the mouth. Fish hooked anywhere else must be released unharmed back into the water. It's only a fish. Don't keep a snagged fish thinking that no one is watching. Someone will always see you.

Be an ethical fisher, and help preserve the state’s resources, Chastain said.

“The ethical fisherman strives to follow the regulations because they know that following the rules will result in future generations utilizing the resources in the same manner,” he said. “The ethical fisherman does what is right even when they don't think someone is watching. Remember that it's only a fish and there are many more out there. Don't cheat other Alaskans out of everyone's resources.”

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the regulations.

“Take the time to really sit down and read the regulation book,” Chastain said. “Alaska has world-class fishing resources. Following the regulations ensures that these resources are available for generations to come. Don't be afraid to ask questions about regulations. The Alaska Wildlife Troopers are experts in the regulations of their area of responsibility and look forward to providing clarification to fisherman about regulation issues. Contact your local office of Alaska Wildlife Troopers for assistance.”

The best way to learn is to get out and do it, Bird said. Once you start fishing, you’re going to get hooked.