What Are The Fishing Catch Limits In BC And Alaska? By Brian Clive Pacific Northwest Fishing Expert

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Catch limits vary from region to region and state to state. Limits can also vary between those set for residents versus those set for non residents. Here are a few FAQ´s (Frequently Asked Questions) I have encountered in my years of fishing in BC, Alaska and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

1) Who Sets Fishing Catch Limits?

In BC, the federal government, through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is responsible for the management of salmon fisheries in both tidal and freshwater.

In Alaska, fisheries management is the responsibility of US Fish and Wildlife Service (UFWS). The UFWS works in concert with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Forest Service. All together, the five Federal agencies manage 237 million acres of Federal lands, which encompasses 66% of Alaska´s lands and 52% of Alaska´s rivers and lakes.

2) How are limits Accessed?

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans ensures that BC salmon stocks are assessed throughout the year, taking in to consideration such things as ocean conditions and expected survivability, previous year salmon returns to particular rivers (such as the Fraser and Columbia) and the anticipated demand by First Nations, sport fishers and commercial interests. With this information DFO will set or restrict catch limits. These limits are generally broken down in three categories: 1) daily limit 2) possession limit 3) annual limit. As mentioned previously these limits will vary for non residents and residents in a particular management region.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service use much the same protocol as their Canadian counterparts. Stakeholders, i.e.: aboriginal, commercial and sport fishers´ needs are assessed based on the health of the salmon stocks in different regions. Once the health of these salmon stocks are determined areas will be either opened and or closed to any or all of the above stakeholders.

3) How do I find out about catch limits?

If you are booking your trip through a guide or outfitter in either BC or Alaska they would certainly have all the information you require. Please keep in mind that catch limits can be subject to in season "adjustments" so it is very important that you stay informed right up to and during your fishing adventure. For those of you that are going it alone, both the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the US Fish and Wildlife Service have current online information sites that are readily accessible and easy to understand.

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