Fish and Game suspends ice house registration in the Copper Basin

Anglers in the Upper Copper-Upper Susitna Management Area, the Copper Basin around Glennallen, no longer need to register ice fishing shelters from Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, through May 31, 2027. Anglers "may use ice fishing houses or 'pop-ups' without obtaining or displaying an ADF&G ice house registration number," the advisory said.

Outside that window, ice houses not removed daily must display permit numbers at least 12 inches high and come off the ice by April 30. Permanent structures may still need separate approval from the land manager.

ADF&G staff told the Alaska Board of Fisheries that anglers lack online access to register ice houses, so anglers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers must instead contact the department directly during business hours.

Questions go to area management biologist Tracy Hansen at the Glennallen office, (907) 822-3309.