Southeast/Panhandle
Known locally as southeast Alaska, it is also known as the panhandle. This region of the state includes Juneau. Haines, Skagway and Ketchikan.
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, for 2010, the opening date to legally catch king salmon in this district is April 1. The halibut season opener in this district is Feb. 1 and lasts until Dec. 31. Lingcod openings are May 16 through June 15 and Aug. 16 through Nov. 30.
Kenai Peninsula
Along the Sterling Highway, in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, the fishing openers are regulated. Outside of this area, and on most of the Kenai Peninsula, fishing for most species (king salmon excluded) is permitted year-round.
The Sterling Highway area allows king salmon fishing with the opener Jan. 1 through June 30, as stated at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations for 2010.
Interior
The Yukon River flows through most of Alaska's interior, including the region surrounding the state's second largest city, Fairbanks. The season opener for Northern pike in this district is May 20 and lasts until Sept. 30.
The whitefish opener for the 2010 season is listed as Sept. 1 through April 30 at the ADFG regulations handbook, found online or in print copies. The burbot seasons, for using set lines, is Oct. 15 through May 15 for the 2010 season.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
