Action Heating Up In Valdez Fish Derbies

The following is courtesy of Valdez Fish Derbies:

PINK SALMON BEING CAUGHT IN VALDEZ AT ALLISON POINT
NEW HALIBUT LEADER TIPS SCALES AT 185.4 POUNDS

VALDEZ, Alaska – Pink salmon are milling throughout Prince William Sound and anglers are reporting catches of pink salmon from shore. Fishing will continue to improve as these fish more in toward the hatchery in Valdez. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game reports that anglers trolling for salmon are starting to pick up king salmon and even a few coho salmon around Cape Cleare, Crafton Island, Glacier Island and Passage Canal.

Fishing for Pacific (gray) cod has been good throughout Prince William Sound and, as of July 1^st, anglers can keep yelloweye rockfish and Lingcod. Michael May of Wasilla said he planned his 2-day fishing trip to hit the lingcod opener, and they picked up their limit for lingcod in addition to catching several halibut weighing between 80 and 100 pounds. “My objective on the overnight trip is to catch my first fish to fill the freezer, which to me is 30 pounds and up, and then after that I’m derby fishing”, May said.

And derby fishing has been good. Mel Grove of Wasilla, Alaska caught a 185.4-pound halibut July 5^th to take the lead in the Valdez Halibut Derby. Kreed Jones of Chugiak, Alaska moved to 2^nd place with his 177.8-pound fish and Joy Witte of Valdez is currently in 3^rd place in the Valdez Halibut Derby standings with the 155.6-pound halibut she caught July 5^th.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game reports that anglers making it out to the gulf are getting into good catches of nice sized halibut. ADF&G suggests fishing large circle hooks with herring or salmon bellies while anchored up with a chum bag. Halibut can be picked up inside Prince William Sound fishing depths of 300-400 feet on the outer edges of Perry and Naked Islands as more of these fish move toward inside waters. Thompson Lake, Blueberry Lake, and Ruth Pond have all been stocked with rainbow trout.

The 2025 Valdez Kids Pink Salmon Derby is Saturday, July 19^th and is open to kids aged 5 to 16. Kids qualify for prizes by picking up a free Valdez Fish Derbies hat and posting a picture of themselves with the hat and a pink salmon in Valdez. Winners will be chosen at random to win cash prizes and fishing poles. The Kid’s Derby is sponsored by Valdez Fish Derbies and there is no entry fee. Pink salmon fishing is generally productive at Allison Point and along the shorelines. Pixies, spinners, and Vibrax are all good options.

The Valdez Silver Salmon Derby will start Saturday, July 19^th with a grand prize of $10,000 cash for the largest fish caught. The Women’s Silver Salmon Derby is slated for Saturday, August 9^th and a “Flower Power” themed treasure hunt is slated for Friday, August 8^th. CLICK HERE for more information.

Halibut Derby – Overall Leaders

1^st           Mel Grove                         Palmer, AK                        185.4 lbs.         July 5                   Mel Fare

2^nd               Kreed Jones                     Chugiak, AK                    177.8 lbs.         July 2                   Hofshore

3^rd          Joy Witte                            Valdez, AK                        155.6 lbs.         July 5                   Witte

Halibut Derby – Weekly Winners – June 29 through July 5

1^st           Mel Grove                         Palmer, AK                        185.4 lbs.         July 5                   Mel Fare

2^nd               Kreed Jones                     Chugiak, AK                    177.8 lbs.         July 2                   Hofshore

For more information on the Valdez Derbies, visit: www.valdezfishderbies.com