King Salmon Fishing Limits Reduced in Gulf of Alaska

New restrictions aim to protect struggling king salmon stocks in the region

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has announced a reduction in the bag and possession limit for king salmon sport fishing in the salt waters of the Gulf of Alaska. The limit will be lowered to one fish of any size from April 1 through September 15, affecting areas including the Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak, and Prince William Sound. This emergency order is in response to low king salmon returns that have triggered stock of concern designations for many of the region's king salmon populations.

Why it matters

King salmon populations in the Gulf of Alaska and Cook Inlet have been struggling to meet established escapement goals in recent years, leading to concerns about the long-term sustainability of these fisheries. The new restrictions are an effort to reduce overall harvest and protect these important salmon stocks.

The details

The reduced bag and possession limit applies to all salt waters of the Gulf of Alaska, including the Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak, and Prince William Sound. Additional restrictions have also been issued for the Cook Inlet and Susitna river systems. These emergency orders are intended to align king salmon regulations across the entire Gulf of Alaska region. The restrictions will not impact terminal harvest areas (THAs).

  • The new limits will be in effect from April 1 through September 15, 2026.

The players

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)

The state agency responsible for managing Alaska's fisheries and wildlife resources.

Jay Baumer

An ADF&G representative who can be contacted for more information about the new restrictions.

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What they’re saying

“King salmon stocks throughout Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Alaska have failed to return at levels that meet established goals, triggering stock of concern designation for many of them.”

— Alaska Department of Fish and Game (aksportingjournal.com)

What’s next

ADF&G will continue to monitor king salmon returns in the region and may issue additional emergency order restrictions if warranted.

The takeaway

These new limits on king salmon fishing in the Gulf of Alaska are a proactive measure to protect vulnerable salmon populations and ensure the long-term sustainability of these important fisheries.