The Lake Chelan Salmon Derby runs each summer and welcomes anglers of all skill levels
The Lake Chelan Salmon Derby is an annual fishing tournament held on Washington's largest freshwater lake, typically running for several weeks in summer. The event draws hundreds of anglers who fish for kokanee salmon, the small landlocked salmon species that thrive in Chelan's cold, deep water. You do not need to be an experienced tournament angler to enter — the derby is designed to be inclusive, with categories for different age groups and skill levels, and the real draw for most people is the chance to fish a beautiful lake and compete alongside your community.
The derby operates on a simple structure: you pay an entry fee, fish during the designated dates, and weigh in any salmon you catch at official weigh stations. Prize money or merchandise goes to the top finishers in each category. Because kokanee are smaller fish — typically 10 to 14 inches — the competition is about technique and persistence rather than landing trophy-sized catches. Most people fish from boats, though shore fishing is also possible in certain areas.
Key Takeaways
- Entry fees and tournament dates change year to year, so check with the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce or local tackle shops for the current year's rules and schedule.
- Kokanee salmon require specific tackle: small spoons, spinners, or jigging lures in silver, pink, or chartreuse colors work best in Chelan's deep water.
- Most successful anglers fish 40 to 100 feet deep using downriggers or trolling, since kokanee suspend well below the surface during summer.
- Weigh-in locations and hours are set by the tournament organizers, and fish must be weighed during the official window to count toward prizes.
- A Washington fishing license is required, and you should confirm current kokanee possession limits before the derby begins.
Entry, Dates, and Tournament Structure
The Lake Chelan Salmon Derby is organized by local fishing clubs and the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, and details shift from year to year. Entry typically costs between $25 and $50 per angler, though family packages and youth discounts are often available. The tournament usually runs for two to four weeks in July or August, with specific start and end dates announced each spring.
To enter, you register at a local tackle shop, the Chamber office, or sometimes online through the organizing club's website. You will need your Washington fishing license number at registration. The derby divides competitors into categories — often by age group (youth, adult, senior) and sometimes by boat type (boat anglers versus shore anglers). Prizes are awarded to the top finishers in each category, usually based on total weight of fish caught or largest single fish.
Check with the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce or search for "Lake Chelan Salmon Derby" online each spring to confirm the current year's dates, entry fee, and registration location. Local tackle shops like Chelan Buoy and Tackle also post tournament information and often handle registration.
Tackle and Technique for Kokanee
Kokanee salmon are small, aggressive fish that respond well to small, flashy lures. The most effective tackle for Lake Chelan includes spoons (1/8 to 1/4 ounce in silver, pink, or white), spinners (size 1 or 2), and jigging lures or tube jigs in similar colors. Many anglers use a combination: a small spoon or spinner on the main line, sometimes with a dodger or flasher ahead of it to create additional attraction and vibration.
Kokanee in Lake Chelan suspend at depth during summer, typically 40 to 100 feet down depending on water temperature and time of day. Most successful anglers use downriggers to reach these depths while trolling, or they jig vertically over deep water. If you do not own a downrigger, you can rent one from many boat rental services on the lake, or fish with a friend who has one. Trolling speed is usually slow — 1.5 to 2.5 miles per hour — and patience matters more than speed.
Shore fishing for kokanee is possible from certain public access points, particularly near the dam at the south end of the lake, but boat fishing is far more productive during the derby. If you do not own a boat, several marinas rent fishing boats by the day, and many derby participants fish in groups to share costs and boat access.
Where to Fish on Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan is 55 miles long and quite deep — the average depth is over 200 feet — so location matters. Kokanee tend to school in the deeper basins, particularly in the central and northern portions of the lake. The area between Manson Bay and the Narrows (the narrow section in the middle of the lake) is productive, as is the water near Walla Walla Point and around the lake's deepest trenches.
Early morning and late evening are typically the most active feeding times, though kokanee can be caught throughout the day if you are fishing at the right depth. Water temperature also influences where fish congregate — they prefer water between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which in summer means fishing deeper than you might expect. A fish finder is extremely helpful for locating schools and understanding the bottom structure.
Public boat launches are located at several points around the lake: the main launch near the city of Chelan, at Manson Bay, and at Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park. Each has parking and facilities. If you are new to the lake, consider hiring a guide for a day or two — local guides know the seasonal patterns and can teach you the specific techniques that work on Chelan.
Regulations and Licensing
Washington State requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website or at any licensed vendor. The license is inexpensive and supports fish management and habitat restoration across the state.
Kokanee possession limits in Washington vary by water body and change periodically, so check the current WDFW regulations before the derby begins. Lake Chelan's limits are typically generous — often 25 fish per day — but confirm the exact number with WDFW or your local tackle shop. All fish must be kept in good condition and weighed during the official tournament window to count toward prizes.
Catch-and-release is not required for the derby, but some anglers practice it between weigh-ins or after the tournament ends. If you plan to keep fish for eating, handle them carefully and keep them on ice to preserve quality.
Preparing Your Catch for the Table
Kokanee are excellent eating fish — their flesh is firm, mild, and naturally pink from their diet. If you plan to keep your catch, the preparation begins the moment you land the fish. Kill it quickly with a sharp blow to the head, then place it on ice immediately. The faster you cool the fish, the better the texture and flavor will be.
At home, clean the fish by removing the gills and guts, then rinse the cavity thoroughly under cold water. Kokanee's small size makes them ideal for whole roasting or filleting. A simple preparation — split lengthwise, seasoned with salt and lemon, and roasted skin-side down at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes — lets the delicate flavor shine. You can also smoke kokanee whole or in fillets, which is a traditional preparation in the Pacific Northwest.
If you are new to cleaning fish, ask at your local tackle shop or watch a demonstration video before the derby. Many experienced anglers are happy to show newcomers how to do it properly, and the skill is straightforward once you have done it once.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
Lake Chelan is in central Washington, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle and 150 miles west of Spokane. The town of Chelan sits at the south end of the lake and has lodging, restaurants, and tackle shops. If you are traveling from out of state or from the Puget Sound region, plan to arrive a day or two before the derby begins so you can scout the lake, get your boat situation sorted, and pick up any last-minute tackle.
Summer weather on Lake Chelan is generally warm and dry, but mornings can be cool on the water. Bring layers, sunscreen, and plenty of water. The lake can get windy in the afternoon, so early morning fishing is often calmer and more productive anyway. If you are staying overnight, book lodging in advance — the derby draws visitors and rooms fill up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the derby?
No. You can rent a fishing boat from several marinas on Lake Chelan by the day, or you can fish with a friend who has a boat. Shore fishing is also possible, though less productive. Many derby participants form groups to share boat rental costs.
What size kokanee do I need to catch to win?
Prizes are usually awarded based on total weight of fish caught or largest single fish, depending on the category. Since kokanee typically run 10 to 14 inches, even smaller fish count. Check the current year's rules when you register to see exactly how winners are determined.
Can I fish the derby if I have never caught a kokanee before?
Yes — the derby welcomes anglers of all experience levels and has youth and beginner categories. Consider fishing with someone experienced or hiring a guide for a day to learn the techniques specific to Lake Chelan. Local tackle shops can also recommend productive lures and depths.
What do I do if I catch more fish than I can keep?
Check the current kokanee possession limit for Lake Chelan before the derby. Once you reach the limit, you must stop fishing for kokanee. You can keep fish on ice between weigh-ins if the tournament runs for multiple days.
Where can I find current information about this year's derby?
Contact the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, check local tackle shops like Chelan Buoy and Tackle, or search online for the current year's tournament details. Information is usually posted by late spring for the summer derby.