The Anacortes Salmon Derby runs each August, drawing anglers to fish the waters around Anacortes for chinook and coho salmon

The Anacortes Salmon Derby is an annual fishing tournament held in August in Anacortes, a port town on Fidalgo Island in Skagit County. The event typically spans a weekend and invites both experienced and casual anglers to fish the Salish Sea near the town. Participants fish from boats, and the derby awards prizes for the largest salmon caught in different categories — usually chinook and coho — plus daily prizes and a grand prize for the overall largest fish.

The derby is run by the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce and local fishing clubs, and it has become a summer tradition for people who want to fish competitively without traveling far from the Puget Sound region. Entry fees are modest, and the event draws families, charter boat operators, and serious tournament anglers. The exact dates, entry fees, and prize structure change year to year, so checking the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce website or calling ahead is the best way to confirm details for the year you want to fish.

Key Takeaways

  • The Anacortes Salmon Derby takes place each August and is open to anglers fishing from private boats or charter boats.
  • Chinook and coho salmon are the target species, with separate prize categories for each and daily prizes awarded throughout the event.
  • Entry fees are charged per angler or per boat, depending on the year's rules, and the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce manages registration.
  • You must follow Washington State saltwater fishing regulations, including licensing and catch limits, even while competing in the derby.
  • Charter boats operating out of Anacortes often run derby-specific trips, and many anglers book these in advance because they fill quickly during derby week.

When the Derby Happens and How to Enter

The derby runs for one weekend in August, though the exact dates shift from year to year. In recent years it has been held mid-August, but you should confirm the current year's dates through the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, which manages the event. Registration typically opens a few weeks before the derby and closes the day before or the morning of the first fishing day.

Entry is usually available both online and in person at the Chamber office or at participating tackle shops in Anacortes. You pay an entry fee per angler, and in some years boats can register as a group. Once registered, you receive a packet with the official rules, weigh-in times and location, and information about daily and grand prizes. Most derbies require you to fish during specific hours — often dawn to dusk or a set window like 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. — so read the rules carefully before you fish.

What Fish Count and How Weigh-Ins Work

Chinook and coho salmon are the two species with prize categories. Some years the derby also recognizes pink salmon or other species, but chinook and coho are the main event. Fish must be caught during the official fishing hours and brought to the official weigh-in location, usually a dock or marina in Anacortes, before the deadline each day.

Weigh-ins are typically held in the late afternoon on each day of the derby. You bring your fish to the official scale, where staff record the weight and species. The largest chinook and largest coho each day win daily prizes, and the overall largest fish in each category wins the grand prize. Some years there are also prizes for the most fish caught or for specific size brackets. The derby publishes daily results, so you can see where you stand as the event goes on.

Fishing Regulations You Must Follow

Even though you are fishing in a tournament, you must follow all Washington State saltwater fishing regulations. This means you need a valid Washington fishing license, and you must stay within the daily catch limits set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Salish Sea. Limits change by year and sometimes by season, so check the current regulations before you fish.

The waters around Anacortes are part of Marine Area 8, and WDFW publishes specific rules for chinook and coho in that area each year. You can find these on the WDFW website or by calling their hotline. The derby does not override state rules — if the state limit is two chinook per day, you cannot keep more than two even if you catch them. Tournament organizers check this, and fishing in violation of state law can result in fines and disqualification from the derby.

Where to Fish and What Boats Are Allowed

The derby fishing area is defined in the official rules and typically includes waters around Anacortes, the San Juan Islands approaches, and nearby Puget Sound. You can fish from a private boat if you own or have access to one, or you can book a charter boat. Many charter operators in Anacortes run special derby trips, and these often fill weeks in advance during derby season.

If you are fishing from a private boat, you need to be comfortable navigating the Salish Sea and handling a boat in open water. Chinook and coho are found at varying depths depending on the season and time of day, and successful anglers often troll or jig in deeper channels and around structure. If you are new to the area or to saltwater salmon fishing, a charter boat is a safer and often more productive choice — the captain knows the current conditions, has the right tackle, and can put you on fish.

Tackle and Technique for Anacortes Salmon

Chinook and coho around Anacortes are caught most often by trolling with herring or other baitfish, by jigging with metal spoons or soft plastics, or by casting from the boat. The depth and technique depend on the time of day and water conditions. Early morning and late afternoon are often productive, and many anglers fish deeper water during midday when salmon move down.

Bring or rent tackle rated for saltwater — rods, reels, and line that can handle the size and strength of these fish. Chinook can exceed 30 pounds, and coho often run 8 to 15 pounds. If you are fishing from a charter, the boat provides tackle, but if you are bringing your own, make sure it is in good condition and that you have backup rigs in case you lose tackle to snags or fish. Bring a net or gaff to land fish safely, and have a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh.

Preparing Your Catch for the Weigh-In and Beyond

Once you catch a salmon, keep it on ice immediately. Do not let it sit in the sun or in a warm boat — the quality of the fish matters for both the weigh-in and for eating it later. If you are fishing all day, change the ice in your cooler midday if it has melted. Salmon that have been kept cold and handled gently will weigh more and will taste better when you cook it.

Before the weigh-in, you can clean the fish or leave it whole — the rules will specify. Some derbies weigh fish whole, others allow you to gut and gill them first. Check the official rules so you know what to do. After weigh-in, if your fish did not win a prize or if you caught more than you are keeping, you can release it or donate it. Many derbies partner with food banks or community organizations to distribute extra fish, so ask the organizers what happens to the catch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Washington fishing license to fish the Anacortes Salmon Derby?

Yes. You must have a valid Washington saltwater fishing license even if you are fishing in a tournament. You can purchase a license online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores, or at the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce. A one-day license is available if you only want to fish the derby weekend.

Can I fish from shore or do I have to use a boat?

The Anacortes Salmon Derby is a boat-based event. You must fish from a boat — either your own or a charter. Shore fishing is not part of the tournament, though you are welcome to fish from shore on your own time outside the derby.

What if I have never fished for salmon before?

Book a charter boat. The captain will teach you how to fish, provide all the tackle, and handle the boat while you focus on fishing. Charter operators in Anacortes run derby trips specifically for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Call ahead to reserve your spot, as these fill quickly during derby week.

How much does it cost to enter the derby?

Entry fees vary by year but are typically in the range of $25 to $50 per angler. Charter boat trips run separately and cost more — usually $150 to $300 per person for a full day, depending on the boat and captain. Check the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce for the current year's entry fee and a list of charter operators.

What happens if I catch a fish outside the official fishing hours?

Fish caught outside the official hours cannot be weighed in or counted toward prizes. The rules are strict about this to keep the tournament fair. Make sure you know the exact start and end times before you head out, and plan to be back at the weigh-in dock well before the deadline.