The chamber of commerce is gearing up for its expanded fishing derbies to start next month, a popular event that dates back to 1953.

It’s been a salmon derby the past several years, but the chamber this summer is bringing back a contest for the largest halibut for the first time since 2020.

The salmon derby, which attracts 300 to 600 participants annually, was founded by Art Nelson and Dan Roberts. The chamber took over sponsorship in 1957 after four years of individual backing.

Tickets for the competition are $35 each and will secure a spot in all three categories: king and coho salmon, and halibut. Each ticket also enters the participant into a drawing for two Alaska Airlines tickets.

“It's a very popular event,” Chamber Executive Director Tracey Martin said. “There will probably be some people who buy a ticket just for the chance to win the drawing.”

Martin said the printed derby tickets are on their way to town, and she will announce their availability and distribution locations after they arrive.

Derby details and rules

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

Participants must present their derby ticket stub to weigh in a fish. Tickets are non-transferable.

“The derby lasts for one month (and) gives people a chance to plan around their schedules if they want to compete,” Martin said, noting that participants travel from outside Wrangell to cast their lines.

Non-entrants, regardless of age, may not fish in the same boats with derby entrants. They may observe but are prohibited from fishing.

There will be separate prizes for adults and youth 14 and under.

Prizes

Prizes for the largest fish caught in the derby are:

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

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

- Largest halibut: $500

Martin is seeking volunteers to help weigh and certify catches. Those interested in volunteering can contact her at the chamber office by calling 907-874-3901.

Complete derby rules are available on the chamber's website, wrangellchamberofcommerce.wildapricot.org, and in the events guide, which can be picked up at the chamber office in the Nolan Center.