Fishing derby tentatively set for mid-June

The annual Wrangell King Salmon Derby is tentatively set for June 15 through July 2.

Though the chamber of commerce, which is still organizing the event, hasn’t officially set the dates or prizes, the derby typically runs for about two weeks, with prizes for the largest fish and other categories.

Entry fees also have not yet been determined.

In past years, there has been a kids 12-and-under category, and the adult category encompasses ages 13 and up. Entrants need to have a state sportfishing license and a state king salmon stamp. Alaska residents under 18 don’t need a license, but they still need a derby ticket.

King salmon can be caught outside of District 8, which is the area around the north side of Wrangell Island, the mouth of the Stikine River, the southwest side of Mitkof Island, including Petersburg, the northern tip of Etolin Island and the northeast sides of Zarembo Island.

In past years, there was one weigh-in station, usually at Reliance Dock next to the harbormaster’s office.

Eric Halstead won last year’s derby with a 43.4-pound salmon. The record is held by the late Doris Iverson, who was also the first woman to win the derby. In 1955, she caught a salmon weighing in at 74.4 pounds, and the record has yet to be broken.

Derby contestants must follow Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations when it comes to sportfishing. King salmon caught must be over 28 inches or longer. For bag limits and other regulations, visit adfg.alaska.gov.