(Prince William Sound) – 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. Wednesday, July 16 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The increased limit is effective for all marine waters north of a line from Entrance Point to Potato Point (Valdez Narrows). This regulatory liberalization change does not change the bag and possession limit for coho salmon. Only six salmon in a bag limit and 12 in possession can be coho salmon.

The pink salmon run to the Valdez Fisheries Development Association, Solomon Gulch Hatchery (SGH) is strong. With the large run this season, the hatchery anticipates being able to meet brood stock goals at SGH and there will be surplus pink salmon available for harvest.

“Pink salmon are building up around the Solomon Gulch Hatchery and with the large return, hatchery staff anticipate they will be successful in getting the necessary brood,” stated 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. Success catching pink salmon will likely vary day to day.”

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 Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth at (907) 267-2186 or the Sport Fish Information Center at (907) 267-2218.

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