Prince William Sound is one of the most sought after destinations for marine sport fishing in the world. It offers an array of opportunities to hook into many of Alaska’s coveted cold water species, including salmon, ling cod, rockfish, salmon shark, and trophy halibut. Compared to other port cities that are a shorter drive from Alaska’s population center, Valdez seems to have equally impressive fishing opportunities but fewer crowds and less sport fishing pressure.

There is always something new happening in Valdez. For a town that is known for some of the best snow for winter sports, it really comes alive on the water in summer. Surrounded by tall, snow-capped peaks and a beautiful ocean setting, there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had.

Charter captains in Valdez can give you that relaxing customer-oriented experience, tailored to suit your needs. But there are also “do-it-yourself” options, such as casting from the shore, baiting off the docks, or renting a boat from Fish Central in town. I had an opportunity to talk fish with the co-owners of Fish Central, Shaun Lea and Greg Kern. These two guys keep the shop and are more than willing to give special insight to Alaskan anglers who want to learn about some of the best fishing around Valdez. 

KS: The fishing season is in full swing now. Do you ever find time to go out and fish in the Sound for yourselves? What are your favorite species to target and why?

Fish Central: Our fishing time is limited for sure, but Prince William Sound (PWS) is a gorgeous place. Jigging for rockfish and lingcod are very high on the list. They’re fun to target and taste wonderful.

KS: Allison Point, across the port, off Dayville Road, is known as a great roadside fishing spot for pink and silver (coho) salmon. What would you tell the common roadside angler hoping to score a limit of salmon about these runs?

Fish Central: The pinks will start to show in mid-June and peak in mid-July. Silvers show in mid-July, peak in mid-August, and continue to be caught in September. Allison Point is the termination of these enhanced runs and the location of the hatchery. Fishing the incoming tide will typically produce the best results. The physical force of such a large volume of moving water pushes the masses of fish closer to shore, where they are easier for fishermen to reach. 

KS: Do in-town fishermen typically do better using herring, eggs, or Vibrax? Is there a preferred local method?

Fish Central: Bait fish, such as herring under a bobber, are often used off of the city docks where fishermen are up and over the water. Cast and retrieval of large spinning lures, like Vibrax or Mepps, generates a high rate of success for those fishing from the rocky shores.

KS: Is it true that someone can show up the first week in September and be almost guaranteed a limit on silvers from the docks in Valdez? Is the fishing THAT good at that time?

Fish Central: There are never any guarantees in fishing, and runs can fluctuate from year to year. Day to day, the bite changes. Some days, certain colors or methods work better than others.  Location is the real name of the game, and that is why we try to cover all the bases to help our clients maximize their chance of success. We offer charters and boat rentals so people don’t have to wait for the fish to come to them, and we do our best to get people onto fish. And that even means not selling a charter when the banks are more productive.

KS: Obviously, charter captains know where to find the halibut and provide the best bang for the buck. But could someone who has never fished Prince William Sound out of Valdez rent a boat and have an easy time finding halibut or salmon? 

Fish Central: There are a few halibut that get picked up in Galena Bay by our rental boats each year. The silver fishing is easier, as there are greater numbers coming in.

KS: It has been reported that silvers caught in PWS can be larger one year and smaller the next. Have you noticed this, and if so - does it worry you?

Fish Central: We have noticed fluctuations, but it doesn’t really concern us. The cycles bring us back around and timing of the run can also vary. Toward the end of this season, we can have huge slugs of fat and feisty fish come up the Arm. Add to that, our overall Silver Salmon Derby winners can be near twenty pounds!

KS:  Speaking of derbies, a few years back it was in the news that a 93-year-old woman reeled in a 16½ pound silver salmon all by herself to win the one day Women’s Valdez Silver Salmon Derby. The story got quite a bit of press. Was the whole town in disbelief?

Fish Central: The whole town celebrated. I wouldn’t say anyone was really in disbelief, but it certainly was a unique occurrence. Here at the shop, we all thought it was great. Fishing is for all ages, whether it is youth entering the Kids’ Pink Salmon Derby or a 93-year-old winning the Women’s Silver Salmon Derby. It’s all about getting folks on the water, having fun and, of course, providing food for the family freezer.  

KS: Do you have a favorite memorable moment from your years of serving clients in Valdez?

Fish Central: There are many, but one of the most memorable was a father that donned a skirt and a wig one year so he could fish with his 12-year-old daughter in the Women’s Silver Salmon Derby. I still have that photo in our shop.

KS: Give us the straight scoop on halibut and salmon shark fishing out of Valdez. I am personally curious about how far I’d have to travel to get to productive halibut grounds out of Valdez versus going out of Seward or Homer. Also, what is the closest you have ever heard of salmon sharks coming to Valdez?

Fish Central: Prince William Sound fishing is some of the best in the state. I believe we have to travel a bit farther to get to halibut, but salmon shark have been seen in the Port of Valdez this year. There’s always an element of searching involved, and that is part of the fun.

‍Kalb Stevenson is an experienced biologist and fisherman and a long-time Alaskan. He is the owner of Axiom Environmental, Inc., a consulting company based in Anchorage, Alaska.  Dr. Stevenson has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, agency reports and popular press pieces in the areas of fish and wildlife ecology and environmental science. He enjoys spending time with family and friends and fishing around the state.