Valdez and the areas adjacent to it are a fishing paradise. Here are some helpful hints and basic information to make your Valdez fishing trip more memorable.

• A state fishing license is required for anyone over 16 years of age. Licenses and regulation books are available in local sporting goods stores and grocery stores. One-day, three-day, 7-day, 14-day and season licenses are available.

• Each year Valdez hosts two fishing derbies. They feature daily, weekly, and grand prizes, as well as prizes for the largest halibut and silver salmon of the season. Derby tickets are available through many local merchants and charter boat operators.

• See Fishing Regulations for limits.

• Get the State of Alaska Fishing Report for Valdez and Prince William Sound.

WEATHER
May through September are popular months for fishing in Prince William Sound and in nearby lakes and streams. Since the weather can change quickly, it is important to layer clothing on even the warmest days. Temperatures cool down quickly out on the water, and usually winds will pick up in the afternoons making it even cooler. Sweaters, windbreakers, or light jackets and rain gear are recommended.

CHARTER INFORMATION
Most charters charge per person and include tackle, bait, and cleaning your catch. Half-day and full-day trips are available. Trips will last from 5 to 12 hours depending on where you are fishing, what species you are fishing for, whether everyone limits out early, and of course weather. Remember, Alaska's weather is unpredictable and could force alternate plans. Be sure to ask what is included in the price of your trip. Small boat rentals are available in the small boat harbor, if you want to captain your own boat.

SEASONS
Pink Salmon: Mid-to late June through early August
Chum Salmon: Early July through mid-September
Silver Salmon: Mid-July through mid-September
King Salmon: Year Round
Halibut: From February 1 through December 31
For a graphical representation of fishing seasons, see the FISH CHART.

SALT WATER FISHING: TACKLE AND TECHNIQUE
Pink Salmon
Light to medium rods with spinning or casting reels. Line should be about 150 yards of 8-10 pound test. Pixie lures 1/4 to 1/2 ounce are the most effective. Any bright color will do. Remember to use a small swivel ahead of the spoon.

Silver Salmon
• FROM SHORE: Medium rods with spinning or casting reels. Line should be about 150 to 200 yards of 10-15 pound test. 1/2 ounce pixie lures are most effective. Use a swivel. Allison Point (between the Hatchery and the APSC Terminal on Dayville Road) makes a good casting area later in the silver salmon season.
• FROM A BOAT: Troll with 20 to 25 bound test line with medium length, limber rods and a down rigger or pink lady. Herring, cut or whole, work well as bait when trolling. Orange or red hootchies make a good alternative to bait. On a charter, your guide should be aware of the hottest fishing spots. If you are going to rent a boat, try the southern end of Bligh Island early in the season and closer to Potato Point and Sawmill Bay as the season progresses.

King Salmon
There are kings in the waters around Valdez. Immature king salmon (feeder kings) inhabit Prince William Sound year round based on the presence of herring in the waters to provide food. These fish can range in size from 3 to 5 pounds. Best results come from trolling or mooching from a rental or charter boat. When trolling a down rigger or dive planer can be used with a flasher and herring attached. A medium/heavy rod of 7.5 to 8 feet is suggested with 25 pound test on your reel.

Halibut
Use 6 to 6.5 feet, heavy duty, ocean rods with 4/0 rods and at least 200 yards of 60 pound test line. Herring, octopus and salmon heads make good halibut bait. Anchor over productive areas, and remember these fish are bottom feeders so your sinker has to hold your line on the sea floor. Halibut weigh from 5 to 300 pounds and those big ones can be dangerous if boated alive.

FRESH WATER FISHING: TACKLE & TECHNIQUE
Grayling
The best grayling fishing is done in streams during June and July. Eggs and small lures make good bait when the water is cool, and flies work well after it warms up later in the season. Grayling are usually found in almost all of the small streams along the roads of the interior. Grayling are tastiest when grilled and eaten on the bank of the stream.

Lake Trout
The best catches are made immediately following spring breakup and just prior to freezing in the fall. However, ice fishing for them is also extremely fun! Try Paxson, Summit, Crosswind, Tanana, Copper, Susitna, Seven-Mile, Jack, and Louise Lakes. Shore anglers should check along the Denali Highway.

Rainbow Trout
Excellent fishing in stocked waters. Try Blueberry, Summit and Silver Lakes.

Dolly Varden
Many of the small streams where salmon spawn also have Dollies. Very light tackle and single eggs or dry flies make catching these brightly colored fish a real challenge. Generally small dollies are great pan-fried and will remind East Coast fishermen of brook trout.