Whittier Harbor boat launch

The feel

This is Anchorage's nearest saltwater ramp, gated by a one-lane tunnel into Prince William Sound. The ramp is protected, on Passage Canal, the gateway to western Prince William Sound. The tunnel schedule, not the ramp, is the real bottleneck.

The tunnel is shared with the railroad and runs on a fixed schedule. Crowds are high. The harbor is open year round.

What to expect

Water and access

A protected ramp on Passage Canal, reached through the Anton Anderson tunnel on a fixed shared schedule.

Species and timing

Coho (silver) in August and September, 6-15 lb. Halibut in May, June, July and August, 20-80 lb. Rockfish and lingcod also.

Methods and gear

Troll, jig and bait.

License and rules

A federal halibut stamp is required.

Crowds and best time

Crowds are high. The fishing season is May through September.

Parking

Trailer parking is about $15/day.

Season and access

The harbor is open year round. The tunnel has a summer schedule (May 1 - Sept 30) and a winter schedule (Oct 1 - Apr 30).

Mingo says

Aim for May through August for halibut and August or September for silvers. Build every launch day around the tunnel timetable.

Before you go

• Budget about $20 per launch plus about $15 per day for trailer parking; these figures are approximate, so confirm with the harbor.
• Call City of Whittier Harbor at 907-472-2472.
• Call 1-877-611-2586 for tunnel schedule and safety information; tickets are roundtrip.
• Carry a federal halibut stamp.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.