Derby News Archives - Wk 12, Aug 12 - Aug 18, 2007

Top Three Fish in Valdez Silver Derby Caught By Women

The weigh-in station down at the Valdez harbor was busy Sunday night as the standings in the silver salmon derby changed numerous times within a thirty minute period. Three fish weighed in at 14.80 lbs, all tying for the 2nd place daily prize until two other silvers came in minutes later changing the daily winners board yet again.

Currently, all three top fish in the Valdez Silver Salmon derby weigh in at more than 18 pounds and have all been caught by women anglers. Janice Joseph of Fairbanks brought in a 19.12 pound silver August 15th taking the lead in the derby. Sliding into 2nd place is Sonya Simon’s silver at 18.32 pounds she caught during the women’s derby. In 3rd place is Lolita Collins of Sparks, NV with her 18.16 pound silver she reeled in aboard the Bare Necessities.  

According to Brian Marston of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, “Silver salmon fishing has been excellent in Prince Willam Sound waters with good success in the narrows and in the port.” Pink salmon fishing has slowed because of spawning and silvers are now prevalent at Allison Point. It has also been reported that shrimping has been good in the northern sound and in Valdez with their size being larger than normal.

Halibut angling has been good with more catches reported over 160 pounds. Justin Justafson of Deer Lodge, MT reeled in a 190.9 pound flat fish aboard the Dan Orion to take the 1st place weekly prize in the derby, but it wasn’t big enough to make the leader board. Jim Adams of North Pole remains in the lead with his 340 pounder. Rob Rachow of Hager City, WI is currently is 2nd with a 328 pounder and Bonnie Woods of Valdez is holding onto 3rd place with her 274.5 pound halibut she hooked back in June.

With big halibut still coming to Port Valdez and the silvers getting bigger everyday, derby leaders can change in a heartbeat.

See more 2007 Valdez Fish Derby news here > > >