Valdez Silver Salmon Derby

About This Event

Picture this: you're standing on the dock in spectacular Valdez, Alaska, watching anglers weigh in massive silver salmon while the dramatic Chugach Mountains rise around Prince William Sound. The Valdez Silver Salmon Derby isn't just about the fishing – it's about the electric atmosphere when someone lands a potential $10,000 winner, the camaraderie at the weigh-in station, and the incredible fresh salmon that ends up on dinner tables throughout this charming coastal town. Running from late July through early September, this 70+ year tradition transforms Valdez into fishing central, with daily prizes keeping the excitement high and the Small Boat Harbor buzzing with activity. Whether you're casting a line yourself or just soaking up the authentic Alaskan fishing culture, you'll find yourself caught up in the thrill of the chase. And let's be honest – there's nothing quite like ultra-fresh Alaskan salmon prepared by folks who really know their way around these magnificent fish.