Traveler's Guide to Valdez, Alaska
Fishing Derbies
Valdez Fishing Derbies
Each
year halibut weighing up to 300 pounds are caught nearby as well
as thousands of salmon that migrate through this part of Prince
William Sound. With several charter boat services and boat
rentals available at the boat harbor, Valdez is a premier
fishing destination. Located within 12 miles of the Valdez boat
harbor are three state marine parks - Shoup Glacier, Sawmill Bay
and Jacks Bay.
Valdez has one of the finest silver salmon runs in Alaska, with the average 1994 silver weighing in at 9 pounds. In 1996, the silver salmon derby winner was caught by D.L. Morison of Gainsville, Texas, and weighed in at 19.52 pounds. The winning Halibut was 260.8 pounds, caught by B.J. Bond of Delta Junction. Valdez also has the largest sport fishery for pink salmon, with the majority of fish being caught from shore. This year start looking for king salmon released from the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery as they return to Valdez. The local fish derbies awarded more than $60,000 in cash and prizes in 1996, and 1998 will be hotter than ever, so dont forget to enter.
If you prefer fresh water fishing, nearby lakes and streams offer Dolly Varden, Rainbow trout, and Grayling.
1996
Halibut Derby Winners
Picture Yourself Here in 2006!
Here are just a few of the many Weekly Prize Winners!
(Click on the small image to see a larger version)
The 2006 derby dates were:
- Halibut - May 20 to Sept 3
1st Place: $15,000 cash
2nd Place: $5,000 cash
3rd Place: $2,000 cash, along with weekly prizes
- Silver Salmon - July 29 to Sept 3
1st Place: $15,000 cash
2nd Place: $5,000 cash
3rd Place: $2,000 cash, daily and weekly prizes as well
- Womens' Silver Salmon Derby - Aug 12th
Halibut Silver Pink 1999 Janet Roth
$10.000John Hales 18.48 # $10.000 Pravat Phumiin (8. 20lbs)
$7502003 Joe Prax - 251#
$15,000Frank Koterba – 18.18#- $15,000 2004
Lloyd Jones - 310.6# Don Little 19.44# 2005
David Bruno - 325.4# Brad Grose
18.90#Women's Silver
Jenny Heckathorn
16.76#2006
This could be you!
You MUST have purchased a derby ticket in order to win! Some unlucky anglers have missed thier big prize for not having a derby ticket when they landed that monster fish! Don't let that happen to you; be sure you have your derby tickets!
Valdez Fish Derbies for more info:
