THUNDER BAY, ON – The Thunder Bay Salmon Association officially launched its annual Salmon Derby early Friday morning.
Anglers from across the region are now competing for top prizes and bragging rights.
The derby runs from 12:01 a.m. on Friday through to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
All fish must be weighed at the official weigh station, located at Prince Arthur's Landing beside the boat launch.
The station operates daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., except on Sunday, when it will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants must be in line and have their catch stamped before the posted cut-off time in order to qualify.
Participants must purchase a $100 derby ticket, which is available exclusively at D & R Sporting Goods. Each angler may submit only one salmon per day, and a fish can only be entered once. All fish must be a minimum of 18 inches (45 cm) to qualify.
The derby is open only to those fishing within Canadian waters of Lake Superior, and all entrants must follow the Ontario Fishing Regulations.
The official derby boundaries are clearly defined:
- Starting at the mouth of the Pic River, where it meets Lake Superior.
- Extending southward toward Copper Harbor, ending at the Canada–U.S. lake boundary.
- Following the international border westward until it reaches the Pigeon River.
- Continuing northward, encompassing all bays within Lake Superior.
- Returning to the starting point at the Pic River.
The top 10 largest salmon caught during the derby will be eligible for the top 10 prize categories. Winners will be announced following the close of the derby on Sunday afternoon.
For more information, including full rules and updates, participants are encouraged to refer to the Thunder Bay Salmon Association website and stay updated on who had the biggest fish on their Facebook page.
