Species Guide

Salmon Fishing in Valdez, Alaska

Hatchery-backed pink and silver runs at the head of Prince William Sound

Valdez sits at the end of a deep fjord in eastern Prince William Sound, and its salmon fishing is built around two runs: a heavy pink salmon return that peaks in early July, and a silver (coho) run that takes over from late July into early September. Both are supported by the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery across the bay from town, which releases about 1.8 million silver salmon smolts a year, the reason Valdez has a reputation as one of Alaska's most consistent silver salmon ports.

What makes Valdez unusual among Alaska salmon towns is how much of the fishing you can do without a boat. The Solomon Gulch return funnels fish right along the road system, so shore anglers at Allison Point and the town waterfront catch salmon within sight of the harbor. Charters extend the season and the range, trolling the Narrows and outer Port Valdez for brighter fish before the runs stack up at the hatchery.

Boats, banks, and the hatchery run

Most boat fishing here is trolling, with downriggers and diver plates pulling gear through Valdez Arm, the Narrows, and Port Valdez. It's a forgiving style for first-timers: the boat does the presenting, and when a silver hits, the rod comes out of the holder and the fight is yours. Early in the silver run the fish hold in deeper water, so a boat is the way to get on them; as August progresses, they push into the terminal area near the hatchery and shore fishing gets good.

The two most cited bank spots are Allison Point, along Dayville Road near the hatchery, and the Kelsey Dock area on the town waterfront. Allison Point in late August is a well-known producer for silvers, and during the July pink run the shoreline there can be shoulder-to-shoulder for a reason. Because the terminal hatchery return is so heavy, ADF&G has in recent years raised pink salmon bag limits in the Port Valdez terminal area by emergency order. Limits change year to year, so confirm current regulations with ADF&G before you fish.

Season and timing

Pinks show up in Port Valdez around mid-to-late June, peak near the Fourth of July, and hold the best shore fishing through the first three weeks of July, with fish still around into August. Silvers start during the last week of July, with good fishing in the Arm and Narrows by month's end and peak fishing in the Port by the first or second week of August. The run holds through Labor Day and into the first couple weeks of September. Valdez silvers typically run 10–15 pounds, with fish approaching 20 pounds during the peak.

Valdez leans into its silver run with summer fish derbies, including a Silver Salmon Derby and a Women's Silver Salmon Derby Day; check the dates if you're planning an August trip.

Charter departures, prices, and licenses

Salmon charters out of Valdez harbor are typically priced per person, with morning departures around 6:30–7:00 a.m. and a return in the early-to-mid afternoon on a full-day trip. Local operators have advertised full-day silver salmon rates around $240 per person, though prices vary by boat and season, so confirm when you book. Tackle, bait, and fish cleaning are commonly included; a fishing license is not, and you'll need one before you board (nonresident licenses run $30 for a single day or $145 for the year). This is a rainforest fjord, and August can be wet.

Valdez salmon run timing

Period	What's happening	Notes
Mid–late June	Pink salmon arrive in Port Valdez	Run builds toward the July 4 peak
First 3 weeks of July	Peak pink fishing	Best shore action of the year; Allison Point busy
Late July	First silvers in the Arm and Narrows	Boats and trolling gear reach them first
Early–mid August	Silver run peaks in Port Valdez	Shore fishing turns on near the hatchery
Late August – early September	Silvers hold through Labor Day	Allison Point a proven late-August bank spot

Seasons and limits change — always confirm current regulations with ADF&G before booking.

Tips

›Buy your fishing license online before charter morning — boats won't sell you one at the dock.
›Bring your own rain gear and rubber boots; Valdez charters do not provide them and the fjord gets real rain.
›No boat, no problem in August: Allison Point on Dayville Road is a legitimate shore fishery for silvers.
›Fishing in July? Expect pinks, not silvers — they're smaller but abundant and great for kids and smokers.
›Check ADF&G emergency orders before you go; terminal-area bag limits in Port Valdez change year to year.

FAQs

When is the best time for silver salmon fishing in Valdez?

Early-to-mid August is the sweet spot. Silvers show in the Arm and Narrows by the last week of July, fishing in Port Valdez peaks in the first half of August, and the run stays productive through Labor Day and into early September.

Can you catch salmon in Valdez without a charter?

Yes. Valdez is one of the better shore-fishing salmon towns in Alaska. Allison Point on Dayville Road and the Kelsey Dock area in town both produce pinks in July and silvers in August, thanks to the hatchery run that returns right along the road system.

How much does a salmon charter in Valdez cost?

Local operators have advertised full-day silver salmon trips at roughly $240 per person, typically including tackle, bait, and fish cleaning. Prices vary by boat and year, so confirm when booking. Your license is separate.