Fishing Licenses

• Every nonresident of the state of Alaska, and every resident between the age of 16 and 60 is required to have a sports fishing license in order to go shore fishing. As of 2010 a resident fishing license costs $24 a year. Nonresident licenses vary in cost depending on the specific one being bought. These come in one, three, seven and 14-day licenses, as well as an annual option. As of 2010 these ranged from $20 to $135 per license.
  
  

Species

• There are many species of fish in Alaska that can be caught from shore. There are five species of salmon in Alaska (king, red, chum, pink and silver) that can all be caught in rivers and lakes from shore, as well as several types of trout. Arctic Grayling and Dolly Varden aren't mentioned as often, but both of these fish are mainly stream and river fish, which makes fly fishing from shore for these species very easy.
  
  

Fly Fishing

• Fly fishing on the creeks and streams in Alaska is one of the most common forms of shore fishing in the state. Salmon and trout are the two most popular freshwater species that fly anglers pursue in the state. Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout and steelhead are just a few of the most common trout that can be caught in Alaska waters.
  
  

Shore Fishing Equipment

• Fly fishing gear is good for shore fishing in Alaska. For anglers who don't like fly fishing, a good medium to heavy action rod is the best choice since salmon and trout can reach good size. A light rod might not be able to handle the larger fish of either. Additional equipment should include a net, bear spray and a survival kit to help deal with worst-case scenario situations.
  
  

Shore Fishing Tips

• Shore anglers should look for ledges or moderate to slow moving water. Still water isn't the best place to find fish, but even slow moving creeks and streams provide ledges and more ideal feeding environment for native fish. Anglers during salmon runs also need to be aware of their surroundings. In the southern parts of the state, bears also come to the streams to eat, so you need to be aware of your surroundings and realize you may have to keep a respectful distance and share the creek.