Join this annual competition hosted by The Bait Shack in Downtown Anchorage at Ship Creek, where every June, anglers cast their line for a prize-winning King Salmon.
Cast for a King
It’s one of Anchorage’s most exciting events, and visitors and locals alike can participate! It’s also fun to just come and watch; it’s easy to get to, and a bridge that overlooks the creek offers great vantage points.
Don’t have your own gear? Rent all the equipment you need and purchase a license from The Bait Shack. Then after you reel in your king, bring it to the Derby Headquarters for the official weigh-in.
Ship Creek is open to King Salmon fishing from 6 a.m.–11 p.m. daily; fishing usually happens 3 hours before high tide and 3 hours after high tide. There’s even a special Youth Fishing Day on the second Saturday of the Derby that draws hundreds of young people (ages 15 and under) to fish the derby. The second Saturday is the final day of fishing, and an award ceremony is held on the final Sunday.
Proceeds Support Local Nonprofits
Proceeds from the Derby support Alaskan nonprofit organizations.
