Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery

Question

We will be in Valdez July 3. Will the salmon be running at Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery?

Thank you

Answer

The Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery near Valdez is one of Alaska’s most accessible salmon viewing locations, and summer is typically the peak season for salmon runs.

Salmon Run Timing:

By early July, the early portion of the salmon run is usually underway. Most years, you can expect to see pink salmon (humpy) starting to arrive around late June and continuing through July.
Coho and sockeye salmon runs tend to come slightly later in the season, generally peaking from mid-July through August.
The hatchery is active during this time, so there is a good chance of seeing salmon moving through the facility, especially pink salmon.

Visitor Experience:

The hatchery has viewing areas where you can see salmon in the raceways and sometimes leaping as they navigate the facility.
There is also educational signage explaining the life cycle of the salmon and the hatchery’s conservation efforts.
Early July is generally a pleasant time to visit, with long daylight hours and relatively mild weather.

Summary:

Yes, salmon are typically running at Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery on July 3, especially pink salmon.
Expect moderate crowds as this is a popular summer attraction.
Bring binoculars or a camera to catch the action, and plan for 30–60 minutes to enjoy the hatchery fully.

Visiting on July 3 should give you a good chance to witness the salmon activity, though the exact numbers can vary year to year based on the run timing.

Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery

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