Valdez
Valdez is a welcoming community with gorgeous, panoramic Alaska scenery. Surrounded almost completely by the majestic Chugach Mountains, Valdez is located at the head of a beautiful glacial fjord that leads to Prince William Sound. 304 miles from Anchorage by road or a 45-minute flight by air, the scenic landscape on the seven-hour drive is laced with beautiful waterfalls fed by glaciers and heavy rainfall. Many animals like sheep, caribou, moose, bald eagles, and an occasional bear can be seen right from the highway. Valdez is also accessible by the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system out of Whittier or Seward. Keep an eye out for orca or humpback whales. The majority of people coming to Valdez are there to fish, hike and sightsee in the summer time, but the town has an abundance of winter activities to attract visitors as well!
The Experience
The majority of fishing that takes place in Valdez is in the saltwater of Prince William Sound for halibut, salmon, lingcod, rockfish and salmon shark.
One of the area’s biggest attractions is the Port of Valdez, filled with beautiful boats in every size. Daily charters are available to take you to some of the best fishing Alaska has to offer. Each year the community hosts anglers from all over the world who try their skills at landing halibut, lingcod, rockfish, silver salmon, and pink salmon. The town is fish focused, even hosting a slew of fishing derbies each summer, including a free event for kids mid July. Although best known for saltwater, the freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes surrounding Valdez along the road system and beyond yield beautiful Dolly Varden char, Arctic grayling, and rainbow trout.
In addition to a variety of fishing charters you’ll find the support services you need to make your trip to Alaska with ease. Campgrounds, hotels and cabin rentals along with a handful of restaurants, bars, food trucks and the grocery/liquor store are sprinkled through the town. There is an outdoor apparel store if you forgot to pack something or were planning to find what you need when you got here. For added entertainment you can book a wildlife cruise, schedule a kayak tour or hit the local museum, but the main focus in Valdez is for sure fishing.
The weather can change in the blink of an eye. Clear skies are less common due to the mountainous region, but when the weather is clear and sunny, expect to be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the many snowcapped mountains in the area. The average summer temperature is 53℉ and the average winter temperature is 23℉. The drive to Valdez from Anchorage or Fairbanks bring some of the most beautiful scenic views in Alaska.
We’ve been visiting annually for a number of years and have a strong fondness for the people, the community, and the fishing. You’ll love visiting this town!
Scroll down to learn more about fishing in the area as well as to find information on recommended service providers like charters and places to stay. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, reach out, we are happy to help connect you with some quality outfitters.
Valdez is a destination for locals too. Longtime Nenana resident Jim Rothenburger spent many years fishing Valdez for the summer. Photo © Thale Steenhoven.
Silver salmon fishing is widely popular in Valdez. Here is one Melissa Norris caught on a recent trip.
The latest exciting activity in Valdez is squid fishing! Book your charter or rental boat and check it out. Photo © Thale Steenhoven.