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Denali National Park and Preserve
Fishing

Denali National Park is not noted for its fishing. Most streams and lakes have a high glacial silt content resulting in poor fish habitat. However, for those willing to scout out the occasional clear creeks and ponds deep enough not to freeze solid during the winter, a few fish may be caught. Lake trout are occasionally caught in Wonder Lake and grayling inhabit some of the clear streams running in the park.

LICENSES

No state license or permit is required in the former Mount McKinley National Park, known as the "old park". An Alaska state fishing license is required in the 1980 park additions and preserves, and state regulations and limits apply.

LIMITS

In the "old park" catch limit per person per day is 10 fish, the catch shall not exceed 10 lbs and one (1) fish. The catch limit for lake trout (Mackinaw) per person per day is 2 fish, including those hooked and released. Possession of more than one (1) day's limit of catch by one person at any one time is prohibited.

PROHIBITED

1. Fishing in any manner other than by hook and line with rod or line being closely attended.

2. Possessing or using bait live or dead, minnows or other bait, fish, amphibians, nonpreserved fish eggs or fish roe.

3. Chumming or placing preserved or fresh eggs, fish roe, food, fish parts, chemicals, or other foreign substances in the water for purpose of feeding or attracting fish so that they may be taken.

4. Commercial fishing

5. Fishing by use of drugs, poisons, explosives or electricity.

6. Digging for bait.

7. Failing to return immediately to the water from which it was taken, a fish that a person chooses not to keep. Fish so released shall not be included in the catch or possession limit provided that at the time of catching, the person did not possess the legal limit of fish.

8. Fishing from motor road bridges.

PENALTIES

Any person convicted of violating any provision of the regulations shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500.00 or by imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.

Image of Arnica flowering in the park  

Did You Know?
Did you know that over 650 species of flowering plants as well as many species of mosses, lichens, fungi, algae, and others grace the slopes and valleys of Denali National Park and Preserve?

Last Updated: October 26, 2006 at 18:00 EST