What Old Town Site Offers and Why It Matters

Old Town Site is a protected saltwater fishery in Valdez Harbor managed by the State of Alaska under specific regulations that limit catch and restrict gear types. The site sits in shallow, protected waters where the harbor meets Prince William Sound, making it accessible year-round when ice doesn't block access. Unlike open Sound fishing, Old Town Site operates under a special designation that keeps pressure low and allows smaller fish to survive to maturity.

The protection here matters because Valdez Harbor sees heavy commercial and sport traffic. Old Town Site carves out a refuge where you can fish without competing against commercial operations or running into the crowds that gather at the main boat launch. The shallow bottom and rocky structure hold lingcod, rockfish, and halibut, with occasional Dolly Varden in the cooler months. Water clarity varies with tidal stage and recent runoff, but the site fishes best on incoming tide when baitfish move into the shallows.

Key Takeaways

  • Old Town Site is a designated protected area in Valdez Harbor where catch limits are lower and some gear types are prohibited to reduce fishing pressure.
  • You can reach Old Town Site by small boat or kayak from the Valdez Small Boat Harbor, and the shallow water makes it suitable for anglers with modest vessel experience.
  • Lingcod and rockfish are the primary target species, with halibut present but less predictable than in deeper Sound waters.
  • Alaska Department of Fish and Game sets specific daily bag limits and minimum sizes for Old Town Site that differ from general Valdez Harbor regulations, so check current rules before you fish.
  • Incoming tide and early morning light produce the most consistent fishing, and the site fishes year-round except during ice-in periods.

How to Reach Old Town Site by Water

Old Town Site sits roughly one mile northeast of the Valdez Small Boat Harbor, in water that ranges from 20 to 50 feet deep depending on where you position yourself. If you have your own boat, launch from the Small Boat Harbor and head northeast along the harbor shoreline. The site is marked by the old pilings and structure that give it its name—visible above water at low tide and easy to spot on a GPS. Allow 10 to 15 minutes of running time from the launch.

Kayakers can reach Old Town Site, though the distance and open-water crossing require solid paddling skills and calm conditions. Launch from the Small Boat Harbor and paddle northeast, staying aware of boat traffic and wind. The crossing is shorter than a Sound trip, but Valdez Harbor can kick up chop quickly when wind funnels down from the mountains. Many kayak anglers fish the shallower edges closer to shore and avoid the deepest part of Old Town Site.

If you do not have a boat, charter services operating from Valdez Small Boat Harbor can take you to Old Town Site. Call ahead to confirm they fish the site regularly and understand the specific regulations—not all charters focus on this location, and some prefer deeper Sound water.

Species, Seasons, and What to Target

Lingcod are the most reliable catch at Old Town Site. They hold on the rocky bottom and respond well to live baitfish and jigging. Lingcod bite year-round, but spring (April through June) and fall (September through October) see the most consistent action. Winter fishing is possible but weather-dependent, and summer can be slow as fish move to deeper, cooler water.

Rockfish—primarily black and yellow rockfish—school over the rocky structure and bite readily on small jigs and baitfish. They are abundant and forgiving of technique, making them a good target if lingcod are slow. Rockfish bite best in spring and fall, though they are present year-round. The bag limit for rockfish is lower at Old Town Site than in open harbor waters, so check the current regulations before you fish.

Halibut move through Old Town Site but are less predictable than in deeper Sound waters. They are present in spring and summer, and a few large fish hold year-round. Halibut require larger baitfish and patience, and the shallow water means you will lose some fish to structure. The minimum size is 32 inches, and the daily bag limit is typically one fish, though regulations change.

Dolly Varden appear in fall and early winter when they move into shallower water before spawning. They are smaller than ocean-run fish but abundant and willing to bite small jigs and spoons. Fall (September through November) is prime time for Dolly Varden at Old Town Site.

Tackle, Bait, and Technique

Bring a medium-action rod rated for 15- to 30-pound line and spooled with 20-pound braided line or monofilament. Braided line gives you better feel on the rocky bottom and helps you detect bites in deeper water. A 12- to 18-inch leader of 25-pound monofilament reduces visibility and protects against abrasion on the rocks.

Live herring and sand eels are the top baits for lingcod and halibut. Bring a bait tank or aerator if your boat has power, or use a bait bucket with frequent water changes. If live bait is not available, fresh-frozen herring works, though live bait outfishes it consistently. For rockfish and Dolly Varden, smaller baitfish and jigs in the 1/4- to 1/2-ounce range are effective.

Jigging is the most productive technique at Old Town Site. Drop a jig to the bottom, work it with short, sharp lifts, and pause to let it flutter. Lingcod often bite on the drop or pause. For halibut, use a heavier jig (1 to 2 ounces) and work it more slowly along the bottom. If you prefer bait fishing, anchor or drift slowly and let the bait sit on or just above the bottom.

Tides, Weather, and Best Timing

Incoming tide is the most productive time at Old Town Site. Baitfish move into shallow water on the rise, and predators follow. Fish the last two hours of the incoming tide and the first hour of slack water for the most consistent action. Outgoing tide can be productive but typically slower than incoming.

Early morning light—first light through mid-morning—produces more bites than midday. Afternoon fishing can be good, but evening often slows down as light fades. Plan your trip to arrive at Old Town Site during incoming tide in early morning if possible.

Valdez weather changes fast. Wind can build quickly in the afternoon, and rain is common year-round. Check the forecast before you launch, and be prepared to leave if conditions deteriorate. Winter fishing is possible but requires experience with cold-water boating and ice management. Spring and fall offer the best combination of calm weather and consistent fish.

Regulations and Catch Limits

Old Town Site operates under Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations specific to the protected area. Daily bag limits for lingcod, rockfish, and halibut differ from general Valdez Harbor rules and are set lower to protect the fishery. Minimum sizes apply to all species, and some gear types—such as nets and traps—are prohibited.

Check the current Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations before you fish. Regulations change annually, and Old Town Site may have updates that affect bag limits or season dates. The ADFG website lists current rules by region, and the Valdez Fish and Game office can answer specific questions about Old Town Site.

You will need a valid Alaska sport fishing license, which you can purchase online or at sporting goods stores in Valdez. Licenses are available for one day, three days, or the full year. Nonresidents and residents pay different rates.

When Old Town Site Is Closed or Difficult to Fish

Ice can close Old Town Site in winter, typically from December through March, depending on how cold the season is. Some years the harbor freezes solid; other years it remains open. Call the Valdez Fish and Game office or check their website for current ice conditions before you plan a winter trip.

Extreme wind and rough water can make the crossing from the Small Boat Harbor unsafe, especially for small boats and kayaks. If you are not confident in your boat handling or the forecast shows sustained wind above 15 knots, postpone the trip. Valdez Harbor can look calm at the launch and turn rough once you are exposed to the Sound.

Summer can be slow as fish move to deeper, cooler water. If you fish in July or August, plan for longer waits between bites and be prepared to move to deeper water or try different techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Old Town Site?

No, but a guide can save time if you are unfamiliar with the site or Valdez Harbor. Many anglers fish Old Town Site independently after one or two trips. If you are new to saltwater fishing or uncomfortable navigating in open water, a charter or guide is worth the cost.

What is the best time of year to fish Old Town Site?

Spring (April through June) and fall (September through October) offer the most consistent fishing and the most reliable weather. Summer can be slow, and winter requires experience with ice and cold-water boating. If you can only make one trip, plan for May or September.

Can I fish Old Town Site from shore?

No, Old Town Site is in open water and requires a boat or kayak to reach. There is no shore access. If you do not have a boat, charter services from Valdez Small Boat Harbor can take you there.

How deep is the water at Old Town Site?

Water depth ranges from 20 to 50 feet depending on where you fish within the site. The shallower edges (20 to 30 feet) are good for rockfish and Dolly Varden. The deeper sections (40 to 50 feet) hold more lingcod and halibut. A depth finder helps you locate the structure and adjust your technique.

What should I do if I hook a large halibut?

Halibut can be powerful and may wrap your line around rocks. Keep steady pressure and avoid jerking the rod. If the fish runs deep into structure, you may lose it—that is part of fishing rocky bottom. Bring heavy tackle and be prepared to break off rather than damage your equipment or exhaust yourself fighting a fish you cannot land.