Golden North Salmon Derby

Golden North Salmon Derby Winner 1955, Bob Pasquan

TheGolden North Salmon Derbyis an annualsalmonfishingcompetition held inJuneau, Alaskain August. The object of the event is to catch the largestChinookorCohosalmon over a period of three days;pinkandchumsalmon are not accepted.

The area appropriate for fishing is known as the derby grounds. Its northern, eastern, southern and western limits arePoint Bridget,Greely Point,Twin Point,andPoint Couverton,respectively. Contestants may anchor their vessels overnight inSwanson Harbor,southwest of Point Couverton, but this area is not allowed for fishing.

Prizes are awarded to the top hundred finishers, including cash andgift certificates/gift cards.Fish can be weighed at any of four stations atShelter Island,Amalga Harbor,Auke Bay,orDouglas Island.Additionally, the organizers release twelve specially-tagged salmon into the derby ground. One of these is chosen as a special prize which earns $100,000 if it is caught. Competitors must purchase tickets to compete in the derby.

The proceeds from the sale of the turned-in fish are given to theTerritorial Sportsmen Scholarship Foundation,which awards academicscholarshipsto local students. This has been a part of the derby since 1953.

History

This view of Franklin Street in 1955 shows a banner for the Golden North Salmon Derby hanging above the intersection of Franklin and Front Streets. The Triangle Building is directly behind the banner.

The derby has evolved for over 50 years. It was begun on August 31, 1947, and earned its official name in 1948. For many years, live coverage of the derby has been broadcast on localradio stationsKINYandKSUP.There was no broadcast from 1980 to 1982, due to a dispute with theFederal Communications Commission.

2020 saw strict measures undertaken, such as wearing masks &social distancingfrom other contestants.

External links

• Official website
• Results:2006,2005,2004,2003,2002,2001,2000,1999,1998,1997,1996