Chinook (King) Salmon Derby history

Alaska, British Columbia and Washington State have had Chinook (King) salmon derbies.

Because Vancouver Island has had great Chinook salmon fishing there have been many derbies in here in the past. The Port Alberni salmon derby is the longest running derby we know about with an annual top prize of $10,000. When it started 10K was a large prize but with inflation over the years it really is more about bragging rights.

Here are some of the prizes for past derbies. In some way we are happy that derbies are a thing of the past since releasing Chinook salmon after catching highly increases mortality rate.

Salmon Classic (no longer running)

First Place – $100,000
Second Place – $50,000
Third Place – $25,000
Fourth Place – $10,00
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Anacortes Salmon Derby (no longer running)

First Place – $15,000
Second Place – $5,000
Third Place – $2,500
Secret Weight – $ 2,500
Youth Division – First Place – Merchandise
Women’s Division – First Place – Merchandise
Largest Fish Active Military – Merchandise
Largest Fish 70 yr + Person – Merchandise
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Valdez Silver Salmon Derby

Approximate Dates: Aug 2nd through Aug 30th (no longer running
Location: Valdez
Fees: $10 daily/ $50 all derby
Grand Prize: $15,000, Daily Prize
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Ucluelet Salmon Derby

Aug 14-16 Top Prize $10,000