VALDEZ FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Chasing Giants: Halibut Days Aboard the Nunatak in Prince William Sound
A full-day halibut charter from Valdez that targets world-class halibut while working tide and drift strategies through wildlife-rich waters.
Chasing Giants: Halibut Days Aboard the Nunatak in Prince William Sound.
Valdez has long been regarded as the place to fish for halibut: day trips aboard the Nunatak run from dawn to dusk and push 70–100 miles into Prince William Sound in search of trophy halibut, ling cod and rockfish against a backdrop of hanging glaciers and waterfalls.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
World-class halibut — from average keeps to derby giants
Valdez halibut range from average fish in the mid-20-pound range to many fish of 50 pounds and over; derby-winning halibut have approached 300 pounds, and it’s not uncommon for anglers to return with multiple very large fish.
Prince William Sound: wildlife en route
Most fishing takes place 70–100 miles from Valdez, and the transit through Prince William Sound commonly brings sightings of whales, porpoise, sea lions, seals, bears, eagles and many bird species beneath glacier-carved peaks and waterfalls.
A day tuned to tides and fish behavior
The charter adapts to what the tide and recent fishing show — sometimes anchoring to create a scent trail, other times drifting structure to keep fish on the bite and mix halibut with ling cod and rockfish.
What the day feels like
What a day aboard the Nunatak feels like
A day aboard the Nunatak is a long, purposeful push into rich feeding grounds: you leave Valdez at first light, run dozens of miles into Prince William Sound, and fish where the tides and recent bites indicate—the crew alternates anchoring and drift tactics in pursuit of big halibut plus ling cod and rockfish, returning to Valdez at dusk.
THE FISHERY
World-class halibut — from average keeps to derby giants
Valdez halibut range from average fish in the mid-20-pound range to many fish of 50 pounds and over; derby-winning halibut have approached 300 pounds, and it’s not uncommon for anglers to return with multiple very large fish.
THE ROUTE
Prince William Sound: wildlife en route
Most fishing takes place 70–100 miles from Valdez, and the transit through Prince William Sound commonly brings sightings of whales, porpoise, sea lions, seals, bears, eagles and many bird species beneath glacier-carved peaks and waterfalls.
THE METHOD
A day tuned to tides and fish behavior
The charter adapts to what the tide and recent fishing show — sometimes anchoring to create a scent trail, other times drifting structure to keep fish on the bite and mix halibut with ling cod and rockfish.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits and what to check before booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Charters run in the summer months with specific angler rates for May 7–June 30 and July 1–September 6; expect full-day trips beginning at first light and returning at dusk.
Angler rates are $445 for May 7–June 30 and $495 for July 1–September 6.
Confirm recommended clothing and gear with Valdez Outfitters prior to departure so you’re prepared for a full day on the water.
Trips originate from Valdez and travel deep into Prince William Sound; confirm embarkation details and any operator instructions before your trip.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
These are full-day charters that leave at first light and return at dusk; day trips are scheduled approximately from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
How far do you go to fish?
Most fishing takes place 70–100 miles from Valdez in Prince William Sound.
What species can I expect to catch?
The trips target halibut and also commonly produce ling cod and rockfish; crews aim for big halibut and multiple species.
What size of halibut do people catch?
Average fish are around 25 pounds, a large portion of catches are 50 pounds and over, and derby-winning halibut have reached almost 300 pounds.
How are the fishing tactics run?
The charter adjusts to tides and recent activity: when tides suit they may anchor to create a scent trail, and at other times they drift structure to keep fish feeding all day.
Will I see wildlife on the trip?
Yes — on transit through Prince William Sound anglers commonly see whales, porpoise, sea lions, seals, bears, eagles and many seabirds.