Get ready, anglers! The highly anticipated chamber of commerce fishing derbies begin at 6 a.m. Thursday, July 17, promising a month of exciting competition to go after king and coho salmon, with the halibut contest next month.

This year marks the return of the halibut derby, a welcome addition for many participants since its last appearance in 2020.

Salmon derbies have a rich history in Wrangell. Originally founded by Art Nelson and Dan Roberts, the chamber took over sponsorship in 1957, establishing it as a beloved local tradition.

How to participate and win

Tickets for the derby are $35 each and secure your entry into all three categories: king salmon, coho salmon and halibut. Each ticket also secures entry into a drawing for two Alaska Airlines tickets, a popular incentive for many participants.

Tickets are available for purchase at several businesses, including Angerman's, The Bay Co., Cooper’s Corner, Ottesen’s, Sentry and the chamber office. With only 1,000 tickets available, the odds of winning the airline tickets are significantly improved.

Weigh-in stations are being established at businesses, though the Nolan Center will serve as the default location if needed.

Derby schedule and rules

The fishing periods for the coho and king salmon derbies run from 6 a.m. on July 17 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 17. The halibut derby will take place from Aug. 14-17.

The state has closed Southeast Alaska to sportfishing for king salmon by nonresidents, except for a few limited areas of hatchery-return fish. While king fishing is open in many areas for residents, anglers are advised to check Department of Fish and Game rules to avoid closed areas.

To weigh in a fish, participants must present their derby ticket stub; tickets are non-transferable.

It’s important to note that non-entrants are not permitted to fish in the same boats as derby participants; they may observe but are prohibited from fishing.

Separate prizes will be awarded for adults and youth age 14 and under.

Prizes

Prizes await the top anglers in each category:

King salmon: First place, $1,000; second, $750; third, $500.

Coho salmon: First place, $1,000; second, $750, third, $500.

Largest halibut: $500.

For a comprehensive list of derby rules, visit the chamber website at wrangellchamberofcommerce.wildapricot.org or pick up an events guide at the chamber office in the Nolan Center.