The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has announced the opening of the commercial lingcod season in the Prince William Sound Area, beginning midnight on Monday, July 1. While the notice targets commercial harvesters, sport fishers should also be aware of the season’s start and associated regulations, as increased activity and enforcement are expected on the water.
The guideline harvest levels for this season are set at 7,300 pounds in the Inside District and 25,300 pounds in the Outside District, which includes federal waters within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Commercial participants may use mechanical jig, hand troll, or longline hook gear—and only these legal gear types may be aboard their vessels. Fish must be at least 35 inches in length and delivered with the head attached and vent area intact to help biologists collect sex and maturity data.
ADF&G has issued an Emergency Order, which outlines strict biological sampling and landing requirements, including a six-hour prior notice of landing (PNOL). Commercial fishers must report their vessel info, landing details, processor, and estimated catch by calling ADF&G at (907) 226-2121.
Sport anglers should note: although this order doesn’t directly affect sport fishing regulations, the start of the commercial season often leads to increased lingcod harvest pressure and reduced fish availability in popular areas. Additionally, some regulations—like lingcod minimum size requirements and gear limits—apply across all user groups. Always check local sport fishing regulations before heading out.
Those fishing for groundfish or halibut may retain lingcod as bycatch up to 20% of the round weight of their catch. Lingcod retained as bycatch must also be delivered whole with the vent intact.
Rockfish rules remain in effect for all user groups. Retention is required for all rockfish caught, except when using mechanical jig or hand troll gear with an approved deepwater release device, which is strongly encouraged for all sport anglers as well.
ADF&G reminds all fishers—commercial and sport—that state and federal permits and area registrations are required when fishing in the EEZ. For federal waters, a Federal Fisheries Permit (FFP) is also necessary.
Groundfish registration can be completed at ADF&G offices in Anchorage, Homer, or Cordova, or by phone/fax via the Homer office at (907) 235-8191.
To ensure sustainable fisheries and avoid penalties, all harvesters—recreational or commercial—should familiarize themselves with current regulations before the July 1 opening.
