(Glennallen) –Anglers fishing for king salmon in the Upper Copper River drainage will be required to obtain an Upper Copper River King Salmon Sport Fishery Permit in 2026. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is implementing this new permit to improve the timeliness and accuracy of king salmon harvest estimates in the Upper Copper River drainage, with the added benefit of supporting ongoing efforts to modernize and evaluate the accuracy of estimates derived from the Statewide Harvest Survey of sport fisheries.

If you plan to fish for king salmon in the Upper Copper River drainage:

• Permits will be available at no cost on May 1 online and on the ADF&G mobile app. If you need help, please visit or call a local ADF&G office.
• When fishing, you must carry this permit, your sportfishing license and king salmon stamp.
• King salmon harvested that are 20 inches or longer must be immediately recorded on the permit. King salmon harvested less than 20 inches do not need to be recorded.
• All permit holders must report online by August 31, even if you did not fish for king salmon.
• The permit replaces the harvest record previously used to record king salmon harvest on your sport fishing license or harvest record card.
• There is an annual limit of 4 king salmon 20 inches or longer. These are the fish required to be recorded on your permit and reported back to the department.

Note: The Upper Copper River King Salmon Sport Fishery Permit is an individual permit (not a household permit) and is required for all anglers targeting king salmon, including:

• Residents and nonresidents.
• Youth anglers who are not required to have a sport fishing license.
• Anglers with a Permanent Identification Card (senior license).
• Anglers with a Disabled Veteran license.

Parents or guardians accompanying youth anglers are encouraged to help obtain a permit in the youth’s name and assist with reporting the permit online.

Additional detailed information will be provided on the permit and in the ADF&G online store.

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