Fishing in South Central Alaska
- The South Central region of Alaska includes the Kenai Peninsula, located south of Anchorage, the largest city in the state. There is no set border where South Central Alaska becomes The Interior, but Denali (Mount McKinley) is often considered the border between the two regions.
- There are many species of fish that thrive in the South Central Alaska area. In the Alaska Bay and Pacific Ocean surrounding the Kenai Peninsula there are halibut, cod, rockfish, lingcod and saltwater salmon in abundance. The freshwater streams and lakes boast large numbers of salmon, trout, Dolly Varden and even northern pike.
- There are many different styles of fishing allowed in the South Central Alaska region. Great fly fishing for trout and salmon is available on many rivers and streams. Lake fishing can involve casting from shore, or boat fishing. During some weeks, dip netting is allowed on certain rivers and creeks in the region. Halibut charters are available for saltwater fishing.
- The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) requires a sports fishing license for every nonresident, and for any resident between the ages of 16 to 60. Residents above the age of 60 have the option of a yearly Identification Card that works as a permanent sports fishing license. Nonresidents have the option of a one, three, seven, or 14 day license. Annual licenses are also available. As of 2010 a cost for a resident license is $24, while the cost of a nonresident license starts at $20 for the one day license, and runs up to $145 for a one year license.
- Fishing can vary greatly from one section of South Central Alaska to another. Alaska is the largest state, and it can be hundreds of miles from one section of South Central Alaska to another region. The Kenai Peninsula is going to be far different from Anchorage, and Anchorage different from the streams around Denali. Each area is going to have its own characteristics that makes it unique. What works in one part of South Central Alaska might not work in another.
