FAQ
What are the hours of the Derby Booth?
The Derby Booth is open August 8th-15th from 6:00AM to 8:00PM and August 16th from 6:00AM to 12:00PM.
Where is the Derby Booth located?
The Derby Booth is located in the Seward Harbor directly next to Coho Joes Coffee at 1302 4th Ave.
Can I register for the Derby on the day I am fishing?
Yes, you can register for the derby last minute as long as you do so PRIOR to hitting the water and fishing. You MUST register prior to 9:00AM online and 1:00PM in person at the Derby Booth.
If I can’t make it to the Salmon Derby can I cancel my registration and get a refund?
No, all sales are final and there are no refunds for any reason.
Can I sleep overnight in my boat when I am out fishing?
All participating vessels must depart from and return to Resurrection Bay on the same voyage (overnight trips are eligible provided they start from and terminate in Resurrection Bay, even if the vessel docks elsewhere during the course of the multi-day voyage).
Can I fish outside of Resurrection Bay?
Participating anglers may fish inside or outside of Resurrection Bay, but because the bag and possession limits differ inside and outside of the bay, participants must carefully adhere to Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations applicable to each area.
How heavy does the silver salmon have to be to qualify?
3lbs or heavier.
How does weigh-in work?
All fish to be weighed and entered must be presented in the round (fresh, whole and uncut) at the judge’s stand at the derby headquarters in the Seward Boat Harbor. All weighed fish become property of the Seward Silver Salmon Derby. An entrant must show identification at the time of weighing in of fish. All fish may be opened and checked.
What if there are snag marks on my fish?
If a snag mark is found on any fish, that fish may be entered in the derby for the purposes of contributing to the Fish Enhancement Fund, but is not eligible for any prizes. Any evidence of fish tampering will result in permanent disqualification.
Do I need a license to fish in the Salmon Derby?
Adult participants weighing fish must possess a valid ADF&G sport fishing license.
Where can I see live results?
You can view the live results on hbt.seward.com and also keep up to date with the derby results on our instagram @silversalmonderbyak and the Chamber Facebook page. Unfortunately, we are locked out of the 70th Seward Silver Salmon Derby Facebook so we will not be able to post to that page.
When and where is the Award Ceremony?
2025 INFO: The award ceremony is on the final day of the Derby, August 17th from 2:00-4:00PM at Tidewater Taphouse (412 Port Ave). Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Grand prizes awarded along with the Dorothy Urbach Random Prize draw.
How do side pots work?
There are 6 side pots to enter into ranging from $10-$250. The top 3 heaviest fish in each side pot will win a portion of the money contributed towards that pot. Each angler's heaviest fish will count towards the side pots, meaning anglers will only have one fish in each side pot (i.e. you can't win first and second place in a side pot).
How do tagged fish work?
Those who catch a tagged fish have a chance to win a $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000 fish and seven tagged fish prizes sponsored by our amazing local supporters! Prizes are assigned randomly using a double-blind method. The associated value of each fish tag is not known until the entrant opens the sealed envelope with the prize inside!
Can I win a prize without entering into the Derby as an angler?
Yes! You can enter into the Alaska Airline raffle as well as the “Guess the Winning Weight” side pot by registering as an individual on hbt.seward.com and clicking $5 side pot (rather than paying for day(s) of fishing).
How does it work if I want to fish with a charter company?
You can fish with ANY charter company and register as an individual angler. And, new this year, you can participate in the Pro-fishing category with a participating charter boat. So far, Miller’s Landing, Latitude 60 Marine, CrackerJack's, and Graylight Fishing are entered into the Pro category. Book the days you wish to fish with them and then register for the Derby under the company/boat you will be fishing with using the promo code your captain provides you with.
What are the major prize categories?
1st-10th place overall Derby winners, 70th Heaviest silver, Mystery Tagged fish, Random Dorothy Urbach prize, Heaviest fish from Kayak, Sailboat, and Shore, Daily Heaviest Men, Women, and Youth, Random Daily prizes, Random Daily Youth Prize, Junior Heaviest fish 1st-3rd, Smallest fish, and 6 Side Pots.
