FISH
Bonus Halibut Tags
One of the most common questions we receive from guests planning their Alaska fishing trip is:
"Should I purchase a Bonus Halibut Tag?"
For many anglers, the answer is yes.
A Bonus Halibut Tag (also known as a Guided Angler Fish, or GAF Tag) gives you additional opportunities to catch and keep halibut during your trip—including on days when halibut retention is otherwise closed for guided anglers.
Good news for 2026 guests: Waterfall Resort still has a limited number of Bonus Halibut Tags available for the 2026 season. Because these tags are available in limited quantities, we recommend reserving yours as soon as possible.
What Is a Bonus Halibut Tag?
A Bonus Halibut Tag is a special permit available to anglers fishing with a licensed charter operator.
The tag allows you to harvest one additional halibut beyond the standard regulations. Even more importantly, it allows you to retain a halibut on designated Thursday closure days, when guided anglers without a tag must release all halibut they catch.
For many guests, it's one of the easiest ways to maximize their time on the water.
Why Purchase a Bonus Halibut Tag?
Halibut are one of Alaska's most iconic game fish. Their powerful fights, impressive size, and incredible table fare make them a highlight of nearly every fishing trip.
A Bonus Halibut Tag provides additional flexibility by allowing you to:
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Keep an additional halibut during your trip
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Retain a halibut on Thursday closure days
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Increase the amount of premium halibut you can bring home
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Pursue a trophy-sized "barn door" halibut without sacrificing your standard harvest opportunity
Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another season, a Bonus Halibut Tag gives you more opportunities to make the most of your trip.
How Do Thursday Closures Work?
During portions of Alaska's guided charter season, halibut retention is closed on Thursdays to help manage the fishery.
On those days:
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Guests without a Bonus Halibut Tag may still fish for halibut but must release every fish they catch.
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Guests with a Bonus Halibut Tag may legally retain one halibut by using their tag.
If your stay includes a Thursday, purchasing a Bonus Halibut Tag can significantly expand your fishing opportunities.
Bonus Halibut Tags Available for 2026
Waterfall Resort currently has a limited number of Bonus Halibut Tags still available for the 2026 fishing season.
Tags are $700 each and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Because Waterfall Resort receives a limited allocation each year, availability becomes more limited as the season progresses.
If catching halibut is one of your goals, we encourage you to reserve your tag before arriving.
Is a Bonus Halibut Tag Right for You?
A Bonus Halibut Tag is a great option if you:
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Want the opportunity to keep an additional halibut
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Are visiting during a Thursday closure
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Hope to land a trophy-sized halibut
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Want to maximize the amount of fish you can take home
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Don't want to miss an opportunity if the halibut bite is exceptional
For many anglers, it's a small addition that can create one of the most memorable moments of their Alaska fishing adventure.
Reserve Your 2026 Bonus Halibut Tag
There are still Bonus Halibut Tags available for the 2026 season, but quantities are limited.
If you're joining us at Waterfall Resort this summer and would like the flexibility to fish on Thursday closure days or keep an additional halibut, contact our reservations team as soon as possible to reserve your tag.
Whether you're hoping to catch your first halibut or the trophy fish of a lifetime, a Bonus Halibut Tag is one of the best ways to make every day on the water count.