2026 regulation year
Alaska Pacific halibut 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules
Hippoglossus stenolepis
Last updated
Pacific halibut are federally managed under the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) — Alaska defers to IPHC rules. Areas 2C (Southeast) and 3A (Southcentral) carry annual reverse-slot rules for the charter sector, while unguided anglers fish under different bag and size rules.
Season
Open year-round Open year-round; bag and slot announced annually by IPHC.
Bag & possession
- Daily bag
- 2 / day (most areas; charter rules vary)
- Possession
- Same as daily bag (saltwater)
Size, slot, trophy rules
- Size
- Area 2C: reverse-slot 40 in OR ≥ 80 in (charter); Area 3A: 1 of 2 must be ≤ 28 in (charter, typical)
- Slot
- Charter sector reverse-slots set annually by IPHC
- Trophy rule
- Charter anglers must release fish in the protected slot range
Gear restrictions
- Circle hooks recommended (mandatory in some charter zones)
- Maximum 2 hooks per line
- Charter logbook required for guided trips
Named water-body overrides
Where statewide rules differ on specific Alaska waters:
Area 2C (Southeast Alaska)
Charter reverse-slot 40 in or 80 in+; unguided 2 / day
Area 3A (Southcentral / Kodiak / Cook Inlet)
Charter slot rules; unguided 2 / day
Resurrection Bay (Seward)
Area 3A charter slot rules apply
Sitka Sound
Area 2C charter slot rules apply
Official source
Alaska Department of Fish and Game publishes the authoritative 2026 Alaskafishing regulations. Always verify the current rule before fishing — emergency closures and in-season changes can override what's published here.