The Valdez Silver Salmon Derby runs every August in Valdez, Alaska, and has been the state's premier silver salmon tournament for over 50 years

The Valdez Silver Salmon Derby takes place each August in Prince William Sound, drawing anglers from across Alaska and beyond. The tournament has run continuously since 1970, making it one of Alaska's oldest and most established fishing events. Participants fish for silver salmon (also called coho) in the waters around Valdez, competing for cash prizes based on the weight of their catch.

The derby is open to anyone with a valid Alaska fishing license. You can fish from a charter boat, your own vessel, or from shore at designated locations. The tournament typically runs for two to three weeks, with daily weigh-ins at the Valdez harbor. Entry fees vary by year and fishing method, but generally range from around $50 to $150 per angler for the full tournament period.

Silver salmon in Prince William Sound typically run heaviest in mid to late August, which is why the derby is scheduled then. Fish caught during the tournament window are weighed at official weigh stations, and prizes are awarded for the largest daily catches and the overall tournament leader. The event draws both serious competitors and families looking for a reason to spend time on the water together.

Key Takeaways

  • The Valdez Silver Salmon Derby runs each August and requires only a valid Alaska fishing license to enter.
  • You can participate from a charter boat, private vessel, or designated shore locations around Valdez.
  • Entry fees typically range from $50 to $150 depending on the fishing method and tournament length you choose.
  • Daily weigh-ins happen at the Valdez harbor, and prizes are awarded for the largest fish caught each day and overall tournament winners.
  • Silver salmon are most abundant in Prince William Sound during mid to late August, which is when the tournament is held.

How to Enter and What You Need

To fish in the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby, you must have a current Alaska sport fishing license. You can purchase this online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or at sporting goods stores in Valdez. The license is valid for the calendar year, so if you already have one for the current year, you do not need to buy another.

Entry into the derby itself is separate from the fishing license. You register at the official derby headquarters, which is located at the Valdez harbor area. Registration typically opens a few days before the tournament begins and continues throughout the event. You will need to provide your name, contact information, and the fishing method you plan to use (charter, private boat, or shore).

If you are fishing from a charter boat, the charter operator often handles derby registration as part of their service, though you still pay the entry fee. If you are bringing your own boat or fishing from shore, you register directly at the derby office. Bring your fishing license and a valid ID when you register.

Fishing Methods and Where to Fish

Most anglers in the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby fish from charter boats, which depart daily from the Valdez harbor. Charter captains know the productive waters of Prince William Sound and can position you where silver salmon are feeding. A typical charter runs from early morning until mid-afternoon and costs between $200 and $350 per person, separate from the derby entry fee. Charters provide tackle, bait, and instruction for anglers of all experience levels.

If you own or have access to a private boat, you can fish independently throughout the tournament area. The derby boundaries are clearly marked, and you must stay within them. Private boat fishing gives you flexibility in timing and location, though you are responsible for knowing the waters and finding fish on your own.

Shore fishing is also permitted at specific locations around Valdez, including the harbor breakwater and designated beaches. Shore fishing is the lowest-cost option and works well for anglers who prefer to stay on land. Silver salmon do move through shallower water, especially in the early morning and evening hours, making shore fishing viable during the derby.

Silver Salmon Behavior and Tackle in August

Silver salmon entering Prince William Sound in August are actively feeding and aggressive toward lures and bait. They typically range from 8 to 16 pounds, though larger fish are caught most years. The fish are bright and strong, making them exciting to fight on light to medium tackle.

Effective lures for Valdez silvers include small spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), spinners, and soft plastic baits in silver, white, and chartreuse colors. Many anglers also use live herring or frozen herring as bait, either drifted or trolled slowly through productive areas. Charter boats typically provide tackle and can show you what is working on any given day.

Tackle should be rated for 15 to 20-pound test line, with a good drag system to handle the runs these fish make. A 6 to 7-foot medium-action rod works well for both casting and trolling. If you are new to silver salmon fishing, a charter is the best way to learn the techniques and see what gear works in these waters.

Prizes, Weigh-Ins, and Tournament Rules

Fish are weighed daily at the official weigh station in Valdez harbor, typically in the late afternoon. Weigh-ins are open to the public, and the leaderboard is posted each evening showing the day's largest catches and the tournament leaders. You must bring your fish to the weigh station on the day it is caught; fish cannot be weighed the following day.

Prizes are awarded for the largest silver salmon caught each day of the tournament, as well as for the overall tournament winner. Prize money varies by year but typically ranges from a few hundred dollars for daily winners to several thousand for the tournament champion. Some years also include category prizes for different age groups or fishing methods.

All fish must be caught during the official tournament dates and within the designated fishing area. Fish must be alive or freshly dead when weighed, and the weigh master will verify the species. Any fish that does not meet the size or condition requirements will not be counted. The derby publishes a full set of rules each year, available at the registration office and online.

Planning Your Trip to Valdez

Valdez is located on the northern coast of Prince William Sound, about 300 miles east of Anchorage. You can drive there via the Richardson Highway, a scenic route that takes about 6 to 7 hours from Anchorage. Alternatively, you can fly into Anchorage and rent a car, or book a flight directly to Valdez if you prefer.

August weather in Valdez is cool and often wet. Bring waterproof clothing, layers, and rain gear regardless of the forecast. Temperatures typically range from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are fishing from a boat, seasickness medication and a secure grip on the rail are practical considerations, as Prince William Sound can have choppy conditions.

Valdez has hotels, restaurants, and fishing supply shops to support the derby. Book accommodations well in advance, as the town fills up during the tournament. Many charter operators offer package deals that include lodging, meals, and fishing, which can simplify planning if you are traveling from out of state.

Community and Family Aspects of the Derby

The Valdez Silver Salmon Derby is as much a community event as a fishing tournament. Local restaurants and bars host derby-related gatherings, and the weigh-ins draw crowds of spectators who come to see the day's catches and cheer on competitors. The event brings together longtime Valdez residents, visiting anglers, and families who treat the derby as an annual tradition.

The derby welcomes anglers of all ages and skill levels. Families often fish together, with children learning to handle silver salmon under the guidance of experienced captains or family members. Some charter operators offer special rates for groups or families, and the shore fishing option is accessible to people who may not be comfortable on a boat.

The tournament also supports local businesses, from charter operators and tackle shops to hotels and restaurants. If you are planning to visit Valdez for the derby, you are contributing to an event that has been part of the community's identity for over five decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Alaska fishing license if I fish from a charter boat?

Yes, you need a valid Alaska sport fishing license regardless of how you fish. Charter operators cannot fish for you; you must hold the license and actively participate in catching the fish. You can purchase a license online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game or at sporting goods stores in Valdez.

What is the minimum size for a silver salmon in the derby?

The derby typically requires silver salmon to be at least 16 inches long to be weighed and counted. Check the current year's rules at the registration office or online, as size requirements can vary slightly year to year. Any fish that does not meet the minimum will not be may be able to access for prizes.

Can I fish the derby if I have never caught a silver salmon before?

Yes, the derby is open to all anglers with a valid license. A charter boat is the best option if you are new to silver salmon fishing, as the captain and crew will teach you techniques and handle most of the technical details. You will have a much better experience and a better chance of catching fish with professional guidance.

What happens if I catch a fish but cannot get it to the weigh station the same day?

Fish must be weighed on the day they are caught. If you cannot reach the weigh station before it closes, that fish cannot be entered in the tournament. Plan your fishing schedule so you have time to return to Valdez harbor for the daily weigh-in, typically in the late afternoon.

Is shore fishing as productive as boat fishing in the derby?

Shore fishing can produce good catches, especially during early morning and evening hours when silver salmon move through shallow water. However, boat fishing generally covers more water and puts you in deeper areas where larger fish hold. Shore fishing is a solid option if you prefer to stay on land or want a lower-cost way to participate.