Alaska
fishing: Valdez area

Species

Valdez is one of the most active summer communities in all of Prince William Sound. It is home to the oldest fish derby in Alaska and has the well-deserved reputation of being the
pink salmon capital of the world. Anglers have the opportunity to fish in either salt or fresh water while being surrounded by some of the most majestic mountains and glaciers in the state. Valdez and the surrounding Chugach Mountains offer such awesome alpine scenery that this community is sometimes referred to as �Little Switzerland.�
 
Surrounding salt waters offer opportunities for pink, silver, king, and chum
salmon. Pinks and silvers can be caught directly from shore as well as by boat. Anglers who venture out into the adjacent seas will encounter all four of these species, as well as rockfish, lingcod, and Pacific halibut. However, the
700 lb gorilla of the salt-water show is always the pink. Millions return to Valdez during even-numbered years. 
Some parts of Port Valdez will actually look black due to the unbelievable
numbers of fish.

Salmon that reach the fresh water streams and rivers surrounding Valdez include
pink, silver, and an occasional sockeye. Dolly Varden char can also be found in those same waters.
Some nearby ponds and lakes are stocked with rainbow trout and anglers who depart the community and head for the interior will also find artic grayling along the way.

Area
Sponsor

If you are a Valdez area provider of services or goods for sport
fishermen, we invite you to advertise in this space.  We want to provide both additional
information about Valdez fishing and an opportunity for you to make people
aware of what you do.  We can take up to 125 words.  We will
work with you on the exact wording so that it provides information for those who
read and helps you at the same time.  The text can include your website address and
other contact information.  We would also like to display one of your best
photos in this space — we want to illustrate Valdez fishing and at the
same time show what you are doing. If you would like to sponsor
this page, please contact
contact Pam at 1.907.895-4919; 9 – 5 Alaska time.   The cost is only
$96 for one year. 

Geography

The Port of Valdez is the gateway to Interior Alaska and the terminus of
Trans-Alaska pipeline. It holds a year round population of about 4,500 residents that swells considerably during the summer. Besides the derbies, area events include glacier cruises, kayaking, trail hiking, and birding. There are numerous B&B�s, ample hotels and restaurants, RV campgrounds, a shopping district, and even a museum. Reservations are recommended.

The seas that surround Valdez are rich with life. Above the waves fly numerous species of year round and migratory birds. On the waves float sea otters, harbor seals, and Stellar sea lions. Below the waves swim Dall porpoise, Humpback and Orca whales. 

The land is just as interesting. Nearby cliffs are home to mountain goats and Dall sheep, and further to the interior the landscape holds populations of both black and brown bears. The
five major glaciers that you can visit from Valdez, including the largest in North America, offer excellent exploring opportunities.

 

Best saltwater times in the Valdez area
(ADF&G data)

Species

Availability

Peak

King
salmon (feeder kings)

year
round

 

Coho
salmon

mid-July
through September

Late
July  through early
September

Pink
salmon

mid-June
through late August

Late
July

Chum
salmon

May
through August

June
and July

rockfish

year
round

year
round

lingcod

July
through December

July
through September

Pacific
halibut

February
through December

early
June through mid-August

Best freshwater times in the Valdez area
(ADF&G data)

Species

Availability

Peak

Pink
salmon

July
through September

August

Coho
salmon

August
through October

mid-September
through early October

Sockeye
salmon

mid
to late June

mid
to late June

Dolly
Varden Char

year
round

June
and July

rainbow
trout

year
round

June
through August

artic
grayling

year
round

May
through September

 

We invite a Valdez
fishing service provider  to advertise in this spot.  The cost is $60 for a
year.  You can provide up to 50 words.  We will include a
hyperlink to your website.
We want to provide visitors a good illustration of what fishing is
like in Valdez — and show what you are doing, too.  If you would
like to provide a picture for this spot, please contact
contact Pam at 1.907.895-4919;  9 – 5 Alaska time.

Transportation

Valdez lies at sea level and is reachable by land, sea, or air. A 35 minute jet flight from Anchorage can put you there, or you can elect to drive the 305 mile route through stunning interior scenery of mountain passes, waterfalls, and desolate road wilderness.

One of the more interesting ways to arrive at Valdez is via the
Alaska Marine Highway, where you can ferry your vehicle from Whittier
(just east of Anchorage) to the port itself. This is by far the most scenic way to discover the majesty of Prince William Sound. Visitors also have the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds by traveling back to Anchorage via the interior highway. However, space is
usually limited in the months, so plan on making reservations months ahead.

Weather

Weather conditions in Prince William Sound can change quickly — layered clothing and raingear are a must. Mid-summer is the best time for favorable weather, with average highs ranging form the 50�s to 70�s.
  

 

Valdez Sponsors

 

See more
directory
listings
 

Destination Information Resources

The Chamber of Commerce in Valdez has an excellent
website. Consult the Alaska Marine Highway if you plan to ship your vehicle, and most importantly, check out the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game�s website for more detailed information on fishing in Valdez. 
You can also check out the onroute.com
page for information regarding camping, hotels, and a brief history of
the area.

Other resources

An Alaska Department of Fish and Game Publication: Fishing for Salmon in Prince William Sound 
(PDF file)

Valdez area sport fishing opportunities ADF&G publication (PDF file)

The ADF&G
Sport Fish Division for Southcentral Alaska

Alaska
Wildlife (including fish) Notebook Series

Current fishing
report from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (updated regularly during the
summer months)

Valdez