Whittier / Prince William Sound (saltwater)

The feel

Whittier is the gateway to the Sound through the Anton Anderson tunnel, with sheltered water for silvers, halibut, rockfish and lingcod. Charters and the launch both work out of the Whittier harbor.

The tunnel is the longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America, and it runs on a schedule. Crowds are medium. Anglers troll, jig and fish bait for coho, halibut, lingcod and rockfish across a season that runs May through September.

What to expect

Water and access

Saltwater in sheltered Prince William Sound. Charters and a launch at the Whittier harbor, reached by the Anton Anderson tunnel.

Species and timing

Coho (silver) in July, August and September, 6-12 lb. Halibut in May, June, July and August, 15-60 lb. Lingcod in July, August and September, 8-25 lb. Rockfish and Chinook (king) are also fished.

Methods and gear

Troll, jig and bait. Rockfish release devices are mandatory.

License and rules

A federal halibut stamp is required. Halibut, lingcod and rockfish each have their own rules, so verify all.

Crowds and best time

Crowds are medium.

Season and access

May through September. The tunnel has a summer schedule (May 1 - Sept 30) and a winter schedule (Oct 1 - Apr 30).

Mingo says

Time halibut for May through August and silvers and lingcod for July through September. Plan your day around the tunnel schedule first.

Before you go

• Buy a federal halibut stamp and bring rockfish release devices.
• Call 1-877-611-2586 for tunnel schedule and safety information; tickets are roundtrip.
• Check the rules for halibut, lingcod and rockfish separately.

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