Upper Copper River king salmon fishery requires new permit in 2026

Anglers targeting king salmon in the Upper Copper River drainage must obtain a new individual permit this season, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's May 2026 Reel Times newsletter.

The permit adds another regulatory layer beyond the standard sport fishing license and king salmon stamp. The change affects all anglers who plan to fish for king salmon 20 inches or longer in the Upper Copper River drainage. That includes residents, nonresidents, youth anglers, seniors, and disabled veterans.

The permits became available May 1, 2026, at no cost through the department's online store and mobile app. Each permit is individual rather than household-based. Each angler must obtain their own permit.

Anglers must immediately record any king salmon 20 inches or longer on the permit. The annual limit is four king salmon of that size. All permit holders must report their harvest by August 31, 2026, even if they did not fish during the season.

The new permit replaces the previous harvest record system that used the sport fishing license or harvest record card.

The 2026 Copper River king salmon forecast stands at 33,000 fish. That is 27 percent below the 10-year average of 45,000 fish.

Anglers planning trips to the Upper Copper River this season should obtain the permit before fishing. The permit can be stored on a mobile device through the ADF&G mobile app, along with other licenses, tags, and permits.

The department said all anglers must complete the mandatory reporting requirement by the August 31 deadline, regardless of whether they caught any fish or even went fishing.

Anglers can purchase their 2026 sport fishing license and king salmon stamp through the department's online store at store.adfg.alaska.gov or download the ADF&G mobile app from the agency's website. Questions about the Reel Times newsletter can be directed to Ryan Ragan at [email protected].

The 2026 sport fishing license and king salmon stamp remain required in addition to the new Upper Copper River permit.