FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Announcing the 2026 Alaska Fishing Limits
With the 2026 fishing limits now set, here’s what you need to know—what you can keep, what to expect, and how it all comes together on the water at Waterfall Resort.
There’s a rhythm to a day out here that most people don’t expect until they experience it. The early run out, the first drop, the quiet moments in between—and then the sudden pull that snaps everything into focus. Somewhere along the way, the question of “what can I keep?” turns into something more natural. You start to understand not just what you’re catching, but how the season itself works.
And that’s really what these limits are about.
It starts simple
Most of what you need to know comes down to a few key ideas.
A daily limit is how many fish you can keep in a single day. An annual limit is your total for the year. And a slot limit means certain sizes of fish need to be released.
You don’t need to track it all yourself—your guide will handle that. But knowing the basics helps everything click a little faster once you’re out there.
THE King salmon
For many, the trip begins with king salmon in mind.
They’re powerful, deliberate, and when one hits, you know it immediately. It’s not just another fish—it’s the fish.
2026 Nonresident Limits:
- 1 fish per day (28” or longer)
- January 1 – June 30: 3 fish annual limit
- July 1 – December 31: 1 fish annual limit total
The detail that matters most is the annual limit. Fish kept earlier in the year count toward your total later in the season.
Early season offers more flexibility, while mid-summer, when the run peaks, brings great opportunity as well.
Silver salmon: when everything speeds up
Then, almost without warning, the pace changes.
The rods start going off more often. The fish are more aggressive. The quiet stretches get shorter. By late July, you’re in the middle of it.
2026 Nonresident Limits:
- 6 fish per day
- No annual limit
Silver salmon bring a different kind of energy to the trip. It’s steady, it’s exciting, and it’s often the point where the day turns from memorable to unforgettable.
Halibut: deep water, heavy pulls
Halibut fishing has its own rhythm entirely.
It’s slower, more patient. You feel the weight before you see the fish. And when it comes up from the depths, it’s something else entirely.
2026 Nonresident Limits:
- 1 fish per day
- No annual limit
- Fish between 34” and 80” must be released
- No fishing on Thursdays (June 18 – September 10, unless using a halibut tag)
That size rule—the slot limit—is one of the most unique parts of the experience.
Smaller fish are great for the table. The largest fish are true trophies. And the ones in between are protected, helping keep things strong for seasons to come.
Lingcod: the unexpected favorite
Lingcod aren’t always what people ask about before they arrive—but they tend to leave a lasting impression.
They’re aggressive, a little unpredictable, and unmistakable when you bring one up.
2026 Nonresident Limits:
- Season: May 16 – July 31 and September 1 – November 30
- 1 fish per day
- Size rules:
- One fish 30–35 inches, OR
- One fish 55 inches or longer
- Annual limit: 2 fish
They’re a different kind of catch—and one that often becomes a highlight.
The rest of the story
Not every fish gets the spotlight before a trip—but they all play a role once you’re here.
Pink Salmon (Humpies):
- 6 fish per day (16” or longer)
- No annual limit
- Peak in August
Rockfish:
- Yelloweye: 1 fish per day, 1 fish annual limit (July 1 – August 25)
- Pelagic rockfish (black bass and others): 3 fish per day, no annual limit
These are the fish that fill in the gaps between the big moments—adding variety, steady action, and a few surprises along the way.
How it all comes together
The limits don’t define the experience, they shape it. They create balance between species, timing, and the kind of days you have on the water.
And once you’re out there, it all feels less like a set of rules and more like part of the rhythm.
The takeaway
Our guides are here to handle the limits and the details, so you can truly enjoy Alaska and fishing. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the limits, it’s about the moments in between.
Let's go fishing!