Division of Sport Fish
Dave Rutz, Director

Anchorage Headquarters Office
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage, AK 99518


Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Doug Vincent-Lang, Commissioner

P.O. Box 115526
Juneau, AK 99811-5526
www.adfg.alaska.gov


Advisory Announcement
(Released: July 30, 2020 - Expired: December 31, 2020)

CONTACT: Jay Baumer
Area Management Biologist
(907) 267-2265

Port Valdez Pink Salmon Sport Fishing Limits Increased

(Anchorage) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limit for pink salmon to 12 fish per day and 24 fish in possession in the Valdez Terminal Harvest area effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, August 1 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2020. 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 does not change the bag and possession limit for coho salmon. Only six salmon in a bag limit and 12 in possession may be coho salmon.

Pink salmon returns to the Valdez Fisheries Development Association (VFDA) Solomon Gulch Hatchery (SGH) are above hatchery needs. The hatchery has secured sufficient broodstock at SGH and there is opportunity to harvest surplus pink salmon. There are no wild stock concerns due to the increased bag limits and it is warranted to increase the pink salmon bag and possession limits in the Port Valdez marine waters for these surplus hatchery fish.

“There are plenty of pinks around, but anglers may have to take some time sorting through the fish to find brighter ones suitable for table fair,” stated Area Management Biologist Jay Baumer. “Later in the run the quality of the meat may be deteriorating so anglers are encouraged not wait until later in the season.”

Unlike many other Prince William Sound saltwater salmon fisheries, Valdez has numerous areas where shore anglers can target pink salmon, especially by the harbor and Allison Point.

For additional information, please contact the Area Management Biologist Jay Baumer at (907) 267-2265.

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