The Ketchikan King Salmon Derby runs each summer and welcomes both locals and visiting anglers to compete for cash prizes by catching the largest king salmon

The Ketchikan King Salmon Derby is an annual fishing tournament held in Southeast Alaska, typically running from mid-June through mid-August. Anglers fish in the waters around Ketchikan and weigh their catches at the official weigh station, usually located downtown. The angler who lands the heaviest king salmon wins the grand prize, with additional prizes for the largest fish caught each day and weekly categories.

The derby draws hundreds of participants each year — charter captains, recreational fishers, families, and serious competitors. You do not need to be a resident to enter, and you do not need to fish from a charter boat. Many people fish from private boats, and some fish from shore in accessible locations around the island. The tournament structure makes it possible to fish casually or competitively, depending on what appeals to you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Ketchikan King Salmon Derby runs for about two months in summer, with daily and weekly prize categories in addition to the grand prize for the season's largest fish.
  • Entry fees are modest — typically under $50 — and you can fish from a charter boat, your own boat, or from shore in designated areas.
  • All fish must be weighed at the official weigh station during posted hours, and you will need a valid Alaska fishing license plus a saltwater stamp.
  • King salmon in Ketchikan waters typically range from 20 to 60 pounds, with fish over 50 pounds winning most years.
  • The derby is organized by the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau and local fishing businesses, and the event supports the community through tourism and local spending.

Entry requirements and how to register

To enter the derby, you need to pay an entry fee and register before the tournament begins. Registration typically happens online through the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau website or in person at the weigh station. The entry fee covers your participation for the entire tournament period, not per fish or per day.

You must hold a valid Alaska fishing license and a saltwater endorsement stamp before you fish. These are separate from the derby entry fee. You can purchase them through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or at local sporting goods stores and tackle shops in Ketchikan. Non-residents pay more than residents, and licenses are available for different time periods — a full season, a week, or a day.

Children often have reduced entry fees or fish in a separate youth category. Check the current year's rules on the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau site, as age cutoffs and youth prize structures change year to year.

Fishing methods and where to fish

King salmon in Ketchikan waters respond to several methods. Trolling — pulling lures or bait behind a moving boat — is the most common approach and the one that produces the largest fish. Charter boats run daily trips specifically for the derby, and captains know the productive grounds and current conditions. If you have your own boat, you can troll the same waters independently.

Jigging — dropping weighted lures to the bottom and working them vertically — also takes kings, particularly in deeper channels and around structure. This method works well from anchored boats and from shore in a few locations. Casting from shore is possible in places like the Ketchikan waterfront and certain beaches, though shore-caught kings tend to be smaller than those taken offshore.

The most productive fishing grounds are in the channels and bays surrounding Ketchikan — Clarence Strait, Behm Canal, and the waters around nearby islands. Charter captains adjust their locations based on the season and recent catches. Early in the derby (mid-June), fish are often in shallower water and closer to town. As summer progresses, larger kings move into deeper channels.

What to expect from the fish and the season

King salmon in Southeast Alaska are large, powerful fish. In Ketchikan waters, most derby fish range from 20 to 40 pounds, with a solid catch being 30 to 50 pounds. The grand prize winner is usually a fish over 50 pounds, though the exact size varies year to year depending on the run strength. The largest kings ever caught in the derby have exceeded 70 pounds.

The fishing is best in early morning and late afternoon, when light is low and kings feed actively. Overcast days often produce better than bright, clear days. Water temperature and tide stage also affect feeding, and experienced anglers and charter captains adjust their timing and location based on these factors.

Weather in Southeast Alaska can change quickly. Expect rain, wind, and fog, even in summer. If you are fishing from your own boat, make sure you have proper safety equipment, a working radio, and a clear understanding of the weather forecast before heading out. Charter boats are equipped for the conditions and captains know when to stay in port.

The weigh station and how prizes work

All fish entered in the derby must be brought to the official weigh station during posted hours — typically daily from late afternoon into early evening. The weigh station is staffed by volunteers and derby officials who record the weight, angler name, and boat information. Your fish is weighed on a certified scale, and the weight is logged into the tournament records.

Prize categories usually include the heaviest fish of the day, the heaviest fish of each week, and the grand prize for the heaviest fish of the entire tournament. Some years include category prizes for specific size ranges or for fish caught on particular days. Check the current year's rules for the exact prize structure, as it can change.

Prize money comes from entry fees and sponsorships from local businesses. Daily prizes may be $50 to $200, weekly prizes $300 to $500, and the grand prize typically $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the number of entries and sponsorship levels. The exact amounts vary year to year.

Charter boats versus fishing on your own

A charter boat is the most straightforward way to fish the derby if you do not have your own boat or local knowledge. Captains know the current fishing grounds, have proper safety equipment, and handle all the boat operation. A full-day charter typically costs $250 to $400 per person, and most include tackle and bait. You pay the charter fee separately from the derby entry fee.

If you have your own boat, you save the charter cost but need to know the area, have proper equipment, and be comfortable navigating and fishing independently. Many locals fish the derby from private boats and do very well. The trade-off is that you are responsible for safety, navigation, and finding the fish.

Some anglers fish from shore or wade in accessible areas. This is free except for the entry fee and license, but shore-caught kings are typically smaller than boat-caught fish. It is a good option if you want to participate without the cost or time commitment of a full day on the water.

Planning your trip and timing

The derby runs for about two months, so you have flexibility in when you fish. If you are traveling to Ketchikan specifically for the derby, plan to arrive a few days early to register, get your license, and arrange a charter if you need one. Charter boats book up during peak weeks, particularly around the Fourth of July and mid-August, so reserve early if you have specific dates in mind.

Ketchikan has hotels, restaurants, and fishing supply shops throughout the town. The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau can help with lodging and charter recommendations. Many people combine derby fishing with other activities — hiking, wildlife viewing, or exploring the town's art and culture — to make a full vacation.

If you are a local or regular visitor, you can fish the derby casually over the course of the summer, entering a few times or fishing whenever conditions look good. There is no requirement to fish every day or to commit to a specific schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be from Alaska to enter the derby?

No. The derby is open to anyone with a valid Alaska fishing license and saltwater stamp. Non-residents pay more for the license than residents, but there is no residency requirement to enter the tournament itself.

What if I catch a king salmon but do not want to enter it in the derby?

You can keep and eat any fish you catch without entering it in the tournament. You only pay the entry fee if you want to compete for prizes. Many people fish the derby waters for personal use without registering.

Can I fish the derby if I have never caught a king salmon before?

Yes. Charter captains work with anglers of all experience levels and will teach you how to handle the rod and fight the fish. Many first-time anglers catch kings during the derby. If you are nervous, mention your experience level when booking a charter.

What happens if my fish is the largest of the day but I did not register for the derby?

It does not count toward prizes. You must register and pay the entry fee before you fish to be may be able to access. Registration is quick and inexpensive, so register before you head out if you think you might want to compete.

Is the derby cancelled if the weather is bad?

The derby runs on its scheduled dates regardless of weather. Individual anglers and charter captains decide whether conditions are safe to fish on any given day. Many days have poor weather, but fishing continues for those willing to go out.