Tongass National Forest

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Common Fresh and Saltwater Fishes of Southeastern Alaska

Fish Identification

"What have I caught?"

Like many anglers trying their luck in the waters of Southeast Alaska, you may catch fish you want to identify.

To help you identify some of the more common species from saltwater and National Forest lakes and streams, check this information prepared by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and the USDA Forest Service.

Trophy certificates will be issued by the ADF&G for all trophy fish caught in the state and registered at local Department offices or through most sporting goods stores. Minimum weights for trophy fish are listed.

Clear, clean streams and lakes in the Tongass National Forest provide habitat for reproduction of salmon and trout and support a multimillion-dollar sport and commercial fishing industry. Regulations for this industry are set by the Alaska Board of Fisheries.

Edibility

[A] = Highly prized as food
[B] = Edible
[C] = Survival food

Safety First

• Don't litter afoot or afloat
• Be careful with fires
• Don't forget you're in bear country when fishing along streams or lakes in Southeast Alaska

Fish Index