Join us at the 71st Annual Seward Silver Salmon Derby
August 8th-16th 2026 in Seward, Alaska.
What is the Silver Salmon Derby?
The Seward Silver Salmon Derby began in 1956 and is one of Alaska’s oldest and most celebrated fishing tournaments, held every August in the waters of Resurrection Bay. This week-long event draws anglers of all ages and experience levels to fish for silver salmon and compete for cash prizes, daily awards, specialty categories and the thrill of optional side pots that can lead to even bigger winnings. With daily weigh-ins at the Derby Booth in the Seward Harbor, participants can fish one day or all week for more chances to win. From trophy-sized silvers to mystery weights and tagged fish jackpots, it’s a high-stakes, high-reward tradition. Plus, every fish weighed helps support the future of fishing in Seward’s waters.
Just don’t forget that you have to be registered before you fish the derby or that prize-winning catch won’t count!
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The Derby spans multiple days and anglers can participate by registering for either one-day or for the full-tournament, allowing them to fish for just a day or compete for the entire event. Competitors can fish from private boats, charters, kayaks, sailboats, or the shore; as long as they are within designated Derby waters.
Every eligible catch must be weighed at the official Derby Booth in Seward Harbor before the daily cutoff time. The leaderboard updates regularly, keeping the competition lively as anglers strive to top the rankings.
Before You Cast, Get Registered
Planning to reel in a winner? Make sure you are officially registered before your line hits the water. No registration, no prize! Even if you catch the fish of a lifetime. You can register for a single day or the whole derby, but you’ve got to be signed up first.
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Add Some Extra Excitement: Side Pot Betting
Bet Big + Win Bigger!
The SIX side pot pools ($10-$25-$50-$100-$150-$250) are open to all registered anglers, and they offer a chance to win real money, even if you don’t top the main leaderboard.
How it works:
When you register for the Derby, add a side pot bet (or six) and up your chances of winning a cash prize! The top THREE heaviest fish from each category will win a portion of the pool.
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Major Prize Categories
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Derby Champion – The angler with the largest silver salmon by weight will claim the grand prize of $10,000, plus the weight of the winning salmon in pounds of Kaladi Brothers Coffee and earn a place in derby history.
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Heavy Hitters (2nd–10th Heaviest): The next nine heaviest silvers earn cash and prizes including Bass Pro Shops Gift Cards, Xtratufs, Alaska Railroad Tickets, and Urbach's Clothiers Gift Cards
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Tagged Fish: Catch one of our 10 specially tagged silver salmon and you could win up to $20,000!
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Cumulative Weight Prize: Awarded for the heaviest total weight of multiple salmon caught by both a local and non-local angler. $1,000 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card
For full prize list visit our Prize Page from 2025's Derby!
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Miscellaneous Prizes
- Dorothy Urbach Random Prize
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Daily Derby Champ: Each day brings a fresh chance to top the board and win a daily cash prize.
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Mystery Weight Prizes: Match a secret daily “mystery weight” and win, even if your fish isn’t the biggest.
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Specialty Categories
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Youth Division: Prizes for anglers age 15 and under, including top 3 heaviest and daily prizes.
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Smallest Fish: A fun category for the lightest qualifying silver salmon (over 3 pounds).
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Non-Motorized Categories: Prizes for heaviest silver caught from shore, kayak, or sailboat.
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Volunteer at the Silver Salmon Derby
We are always looking for volunteers at the Seward Silver Salmon Derby. Volunteers will receive a 2025 Salmon Derby volunteer shirt and complimentary food & snacks from local Seward businesses. We need help with sign-ups, weighing the fish and recording information.
Keep an eye out for Sign Ups for the 2026 Salmon Derby!
