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North America

Canadian lakes, Alaska, and the varied waters of the United States.

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Regulations notebook

Rule updates for this region

In effectUnited States — Alaska, Kenai River drainage; check the named reach

Kenai River: two-fish coho limit and reach-specific autumn closing dates

Coho salmon · Effective 2026-09-01 · Checked 2026-10-23

ADF&G Emergency Order 2-SS-1-49-26 keeps the bag and possession limits at two coho salmon measuring at least 16 inches, effective 1 September through 30 November 2026. It overrides the normal September increase to three. The advisory distinguishes the seasons: mouth to Bing's Landing through 30 November; upstream of Bing's Landing to the Kenai Lake outlet through 31 October; Russian River coho season ended 30 September. The order does not open a closed reach. Check the exact map, gear rules and latest orders before fishing; do not apply this limit to all Alaskan salmon fisheries. This is an existing restriction announced on 27 August, newly added here as an autumn reminder. It supplements the North America guide's general Kenai planning advice, which is not a reach-specific permission.

In effectAlaska — specified saltwaters of Bear Cove near Medvejie Hatchery and Deep Inlet, Sitka; boundaries in Emergency Order 1-CO-D-29-26

Sitka: Bear Cove and Deep Inlet remain closed to coho sport fishing through 31 October

Coho salmon · Effective 2026-09-15 · Checked 2026-10-22

Emergency Order 1-CO-D-29-26 prohibits sport fishing for coho salmon in the specified Sitka waters from 12:01 a.m. on 15 September through 11:59 p.m. on 31 October 2026, unless superseded. Coho may not be possessed or retained there; incidentally caught coho must stay in the water and be released immediately. The order covers Bear Cove east of its specified shoreline-to-shoreline boundary and Deep Inlet south of its specified boundary; use the official coordinates and maps before entering either area. The current agency register still lists this restriction. This is an existing closure, announced 11 September, being added to the regional notebook, not a new October announcement. It applies to these Sitka waters, not the North America guide’s Kenai, Homer or Seward bases. Recheck emergency orders before a trip or assuming reopening after the stated expiry.

Upcoming changeFlorida — FWC Tampa Bay snook management region, including its inland, state and adjacent federal waters

Tampa Bay: snook harvest closes 1 December through February

Snook · Effective 2026-12-01 · Checked 2026-10-22

The existing annual harvest closure runs from 1 December 2026 through 28 February 2027 in FWC’s Tampa Bay management region. Snook must be released during that period; this is a harvest closure, not a blanket prohibition on catch-and-release fishing. The region extends from Fred Howard Park to State Road 64 and includes the Alafia, Braden, Manatee and Hillsborough rivers; Palma Sola Bay and the Anclote River are excluded. Confirm the official boundary map, licence requirements and any later orders before fishing. This scheduled reminder supports the winter snook guide’s November–December distinction. It is not a newly announced emergency measure and does not change that guide’s prose.

These notices cover the changes listed, not every rule for the region. Check the linked authority before fishing.

From this region

Your starting points.

10 articles to help you choose the water and prepare for the trip.

Chinook salmon swimming in clear water at McAllister Springs, Washington.
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North America: three starting points for your first fishing trip

Compare Alaska’s salmon and halibut, Ontario’s freshwater lakes, and Florida’s inshore fishing before choosing your first North American adventure.

North America6 min read ↗
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