FEES AND ELIGIBILITY

The 57th Annual King Salmon Derby will begin at 6:00 a.m. May 9, 2009, and shall terminate at 9:00 p.m. June 07, 2009. Contestants fishing before 6:00 a.m. on opening day will be disqualified for the entire day.

Individual tickets will be $ 30.00, which allows one person to fish. Tickets must be presented to the judges when weighing in the salmon. Tickets are not transferable. Participants must comply with all state fish and game regulations. Non-entrants, regardless of age, may not fish in the same boats with entrants, but may go along for the enjoyment of the outing.

ALL DERBY TICKETS WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING TO BE HELD AFTER THE DERBY IS OVER FOR TWO ROUND TRIP TICKETS TO SEATTLE DONATED BY ALASKA AIRLINES.  IF YOU PURCHASE A DERBY TICKET YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO WIN WHETHER YOU FISH OR NOT.

2009 Derby Books are in!  If you would like one mailed to you please let us know.  Please contact the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce if you have any questions or need addtional information about the derby. (907) 874-3901 or wchamber@gci.net

(Back to Top)

FISHING AREA

The fishing area for the Wrangell King Salmon Derby will enclose the area bounded by the following: Starting at Babbler Point to Point Highfield, then To the eastern entrance of Blind Slough on Mitkof Island, then To Point Alexander, then To Point Colpoys following the Prince of Wales shoreline to Narrow Point, then Across to Watkins Point and following the mainland back to Babbler Point. (Back to Top)

WEIGHING OF FISH

Salmon must be weighed in the round by the contestant at judging station designated by the King Salmon Derby Committee. Any salmon may be opened at the decision of the committee. Entering any fish caught using methods of gear contrary to the stated rules risks disqualification.

• Harbormaster Shack (weekends):

           Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 pm.

• Saturday - Sunday
• (open May 25th Memorial Day)

• Wrangell Oil (weekdays):
• Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Monday- Friday
• (except May 25th Memorial Day)

• Delta Western Dock( weekdays):
• 9 a.m. to 5p.m.
• Monday - Friday
• (except May 25th Memorial Day)

• Wrangell Chamber of Commerce office (weekdays):
• Hours 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm.
• Monday - Friday

  
  (Back to Top)

TACKLE AND BOATS

• Rods must be in accordance with sporting ethics and customs, and all rods giving the contestants an unsporting advantage will be disqualified.
• Mono-filament, dacron, nylon, or wire line and leader shall not exceed a breaking point test of 50 pounds.
• Any type of sporting lure or bait may be used.
• No contestant may participate from any boat which has commercial fishing gear in use. However down-riggers may be used with a 10 lb. maximum weight.
• All contestants are limited to use of one rod and one reel at a time. Any contestant using more than one rod and reel shall be considered fishing illegally. Any contestant who enters or attempts to enter a fish caught that day shall be disqualified from all derby participation.
• Salmon, when gaffed, shall be gaffed in the head. Firearms shall not be used in the landing of salmon. A landing net may be used. No underwater cameras will be permitted.
• The contestant must hook and play his own salmon in a sportsmanlike manner, unaided by any other person, except that a contestant may receive assistance in gaffing or netting.
• Any contestant interfering with another contestant by running over or crossing the line while the latter is catching a fish is subject to disqualification.

(Back to Top)

PRIZES

All contestants are limited to one prize for salmon caught, regardless or the number of salmon entered, except for bonus prizes as determined by the derby committee.

1st Prize, $6000; 2nd Prize, $4000; 3rd Prize, $2000.

Super bonus prize: $500 for the first king 50 pounds or over.; $500 bonus prize for the first king 60 pounds or over.
Art Clark Big Soaker Award Senior Citizen - $250 for largest king caught by a person 65 years and over.
Special Youth Prizes - $250 for the largest king caught by a youth age 12 or under.

Aileen Meissner Memorial Prize - $250 largest king caught on May 28th (donated by Aileen's family).

SPECIAL WEEKLY PRIZES:

• $500.00 each week of the derby

SPECIAL DERBY DAYS: May 23, 24, & 25, 2009 ~~ $2500.00

All contestants are limited to one prize for salmon caught, regardless of the number of salmon entered, except for bonus prizes as determined by the Derby Committee.

(Back to Top)

DECISIONS AND RULES OF ENTRY

In the event of a tie as to weight, the first salmon weighed in will be given the priority, and the second entry will be considered in line for the next prize. The decisions by the judges and Wrangell King Salmon Derby Committee in all cases will be final, and only salmon caught in accordance with the above rules will be accepted and entered in the Wrangell King Salmon Derby. The committee ASSUMES NO LIABILITY for changes in schedule or prizes due to circumstances beyond its control.

CHARTER BOATS AND HOTELS AVAILABLE

Please visit our Business Directory to chamber member

businesses offering visitor related services.

(Back to Top)

Back To Events & Festivals Home Page

For more information, write or call the:
Wrangell Chamber of Commerce
King Salmon Derby Committee
Bruce Harding, Chairman
P.O. Box 49
Wrangell, AK 99929
(907) 874-3901
email: wchamber@gci.net