Alaska Fishing: Whittier

Species

Whittier is the western gateway to Prince William Sound and the starting point for marine activity proceeding from its small harbor. Literally surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains, its deepwater port leads anglers to saltwater fishing opportunities that lie somewhat protected from wind but open to good opportunity. Waters of the sound boast five species of salmon, Pacific halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and salmon sharks. Fishermen who fish the Sound are often rewarded with good catches while surrounded by stunning topography complimented with abundant bird and marine mammal activity. For years, this community lay somewhat isolated and served only by railroad or ferry, and its angling opportunities were largely overlooked. Today’s visitor can now reach it by road, and though fishing is saltwater only, Whittier is emerging as a popular fishing and sightseeing destination.

Area Sponsor

Prince William Sound (PWS) encompasses 15,000 square miles of tidewater glaciers, towering snow capped peaks and calm waterways. In June, 2000 Alaska opened a road to link Whittier, Alaska to the Alaska road system. This is the quickest access to PWS from Anchorage. A short and scenic drive south will bring you to the port of Whittier. Once there you can board Gas And Time Alaskan Outfitters' heavy weather vessel to explore the Sound. World class halibut, salmon, lingcod, and rockfish fishing is a short boat ride away.  These outfitters has been fishing and hunting this area for over 10 yrs. The rich marine ecosystem provides outstanding marine viewing -- whales, sea otters, Dall porpoises, and sea lions can all be encountered in one day! Large islands including Montague and Hinchinbrook block swells from the open ocean, creating calm seas nearly all summer. Gas and Time's customized overnight fishing trips and guided hunts allow visitors to explore the back country from the comfort of a US Coast Guard approved vessel. Land animals that thrive in the rich uplands include mountain goat, brown bear, black bear, and Sitka black tail deer. Let Gas and Time Alaskan Outfitters show you a true Alaska experience without the crowds. [ADV]

Geography

Whittier is nestled on the northwest shores of the Kenai Peninsula, at the head of Passage Canal. It is an ice free port and boasts two city docks with slips for fishing, recreation and charter vessels. It is located just 75 miles (121 km) southeast of Anchorage, and is deep in the Chugach mountain range. One of the star attractions of Whittier has to be the 2.5 mile (4 km) Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The tunnel is shared by the Alaska Railroad and autos – but not at the same time. The adventure in just getting to Whittier soared when the $80 million dollar roadway and tunnel was completed in the summer of 2000. This connector leads from the Seward Highway to the harbor and the community. Many travelers utilize Whittier via the Alaska Marine Highway ferries. Summer is peak travel time and reservations are always advised. It is the same with any overnight accommodations in the town.

Best saltwater fishing times in the Whittier area (ADF&G and local charter data)

Transportation

Whittier can be reached by road, by ferry, and by private charter aircraft. If you are driving consult www.soundviewalaska.com/tunnel.htm for tunnel time schedules.

Weather

Winter temperatures range from 17 F (-8 C) to 28 F (-2 C). Summer temperatures average 49 F (9 C) to 63 F (17 C). Average annual precipitation is around 66 inches (167 cm) of rain and snow. Layer dressing is always norm particularly when you venture out on the sound.

Amenities

Although small, the community has ample offerings for those who travel through it, or elect to stay. Activities beyond fishing range from day cruising to kayaking, and outfitters provide everything from public conveyance sightseeing to exclusive use chartering. Accommodations range from small bed and breakfasts all the way to exclusive resorts and condo rentals. There is limited shopping and restaurants, and aside from the tunnel route there is no road system to speak of. Limited public use bank or pier fishing exists in Whittier, yet savvy anglers have figured out that shoreline fishing for silvers can be pretty good during peak times. ADF&G now maintains excellent public use cleaning tables moored in the harbor for all visitors.

We will provide text and links to chambers of commerce and other destination resource information.   The Greater Whittier Chamber of Commerce has a useful website. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Division of Sport Fish has valuable information about the fishing opportunities in Western Prince William Sound.

Current fishing report from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (updated regularly during the summer months)

Prince William Sound Fishing Report

Magazine articles about Whittier fishing

Alaska Halibut Fishing
A Guide to Saltwater Sport Fishing in Alaska
Alaska Fishing: Location and Times
Pre-Taxidermy Care of Trophy Fish

Representative Alaska fishing forum threads about Whittier

Whittier Halibut
Salmon Shark Fishing out of Whittier
Need Help Planning a trip to Whittier
Winter Kings in Whittier
Boating out of Whittier

Forum search on "Whittier fishing"

Useful books and videos about Whittier

How to Catch Trophy Halibut
Sportfishing Alaska
How to Rent a Public Cabin in Southcentral Alaska
Underwater Secrets of Catching Halibut, Rockfish, and Lingcod

Links

Whittier’s chamber of commerce can be reached at www.whittieralasaka.com. The Alaska Marine Highway maintains its site at www.akmhs.com. Information about Whittier’s origin’s can be found by going to www.alaskarails.org/route-map/whittier.html.

Area Descriptions for other parts of Southcentral Alaska

Anchorage fishing
Fishing Bristol Bay & Lower Kuskokwim
Homer fishing
Kenai fishing
Kodiak fishing
Matanuska Valley fishing
Prince William Sound fishing
Seward fishing
Upper Copper / Upper Susitna area fishing

Area Descriptions for other regions of the state

Southeast
Arctic, Yukon & Kuskokwim

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