VALDEZ, Alaska – The Valdez Silver Salmon derby began Saturday and the largest fish weighed in so far is 9.76 pound silver caught by Mike Seminario of Fairbanks aboard the Alaskai. There are daily 1st and 2nd place prizes in the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby as well as a $15,000 first place prize. Seminario took 1st place for opening day and Clayton Harris of Valdez, Alaska took the 2nd place daily prize for the 8.50 pounder he caught aboard the Seaward. The fish are not yet to the narrows but are expected to make an appearance soon.
In the Valdez Halibut Derby, David Jamison of Fairbanks is still leading the way with the 253 pound halibut he caught May 29th. Weekly winners were Allan Lucier of Whitehorse, Yukon with a 171.4 pound halibut he caught July 18th aboard the Seahunter. 2nd Place weekly was Bonnie Woods of Valdez with a 168.6 pound halibut she caught July 19th aboard Sea Ya. Halibut anglers had mixed reports this week. Weather kept some anglers from travelling out to ocean entrances for big fish but success was had by many anglers throughout the Sound. Lingcod fishing opened on July 1st. Successful catches of lingcod continue to be reported to Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Lots of Pink Salmon are being caught in Valdez. The biggest pink salmon caught in the Valdez Kids Pink Salmon Derby this past Saturday was the biggest on record for the Kids Derby since it started in 2008. Christian Wingert of Fairbanks reeled in an 8.08 pound pink salmon to win his age division and make the record books. A detailed list of Valdez Kids Pink Salmon Derby Winners, Top 10 History and Pictures can be found on the Kids Derby Page of the Valdez Fish Derbies. The pinks will be around awhile for everyone to catch, but there are also some trout fisheries that have been fun for kids. Ruth Pond and Blueberry Lake were recently stocked with catchable size rainbow trout.
Valdez Fish Derbies is now gearing up for Silver Salmon Big Prize Friday and the 2016 Valdez Women’s Silver Salmon Derby. Big Prize Friday is July 29th and the angler catching the largest silver salmon that day will win $500 in addition to the regular prizes. The Women’s Silver Salmon Derby is Saturday, August 13th with an opening event on Friday, August 12th. The theme of this year’s Women’s Derby is “Country Western”. Valdez Fish Derbies Women’s Derby Page on the Valdez Fish Derbies website has all the information.
Halibut Derby – Overall Leaders
1st David Jamison Fairbanks, AK 253.0 lbs. May 29 Nanatuk
2nd Kim Steiger Westchester, PA 211.0 lbs. July 5 Halibut Grove
3rd Jeff Leaverton Madisonville, LA 174.4 lbs. June 16 Dan Orion
Halibut Derby – Weekly Winners
1st Allan Lucier Whitehorse, YT 171.4 lbs. July 18 Seahunter
2nd Bonnie Woods Valdez, AK 168.6 lbs. July 19 Sea Ya
Silver Salmon Derby – Overall Leaders
1st Mike Seminario Fairbanks, AK 9.76 lbs. July 23 Alaskai
2nd Clayton Harris Valdez, AK 8.50 lbs. July 23 Seaward