Pink Salmon Limits Raised In Port Valdez Waters

The following is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

Port Valdez Pink Salmon Sport Fishing Limits Increase

(Anchorage) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the sport fish bag and possession limits for pink salmon to 12 fish per day and 24 fish in possession in a portion of the Valdez Terminal Harvest area effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 15 through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, December 31, 2022. The increased limit is effective for all marine waters north of line from Entrance Point to Potato Point (Valdez Narrows). Freshwater salmon closures remain in effect for Port Valdez. This regulatory liberalization change does not change the bag and possession limit for coho salmon. Only six salmon per day and 12 in possession can be coho salmon.

The pink salmon run to the Valdez Fisheries Development Association Solomon Gulch Hatchery (SGH) are good. The hatchery has met cost recovery goals and anticipates meeting broodstock goals at SGH and there will be additional harvest opportunity for the surplus of pink salmon.

“Pink salmon continue to build up around the Solomon Gulch Hatchery and with the strength of the run the hatchery staff is anticipating no issues getting necessary broodstock,” stated Assistant Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth. “Please be aware that the commercial fishery will also continue to be active in the area as these fish are common property fish.”

Unlike many other Prince William Sound saltwater salmon fisheries, Valdez has numerous areas where shore anglers can cast for pink salmon, especially by the harbor and around Allison Point. Later in the run the quality of the meat begins to deteriorate on these fish. This opportunity will allow anglers to harvest additional fish, earlier in the season.

For additional information, please contact the Assistant Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth at (907) 267-2186.