The Resurrection Derby was established in 2010 to honor the heavyweight tournaments of the past, such as the Rosario Derby. These big time contests brought out the best fishermen and women to fight for bragging rights in the San Juan Islands. One fish, one winner. These derbies were not about fluff. They were about fishing, friends and fun.
And that is exactly what The Resurrection Derby is staying true to. Drawing anglers from Oregon to Canada and beyond, this event has become the “best of the best” salmon derby in the Pacific Northwest! The derby originally coincided with the winter blackmouth season opener in the San Juan Islands.
Sponsored by the Fidalgo/San Juan Islands Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers, this derby also contributes to a great cause.
All proceeds from the event go directly towards Puget Sound Salmon enhancement and scholarships. The derby promotes good sportsmanship, environmental awareness, economic benefits of recreational angling and providing for future generations.
A recent develop is we haven't been able to fish for blackmouth salmon in the winter. Thus we are planning the Bellingham Bay derby. The fish are returning to the Samish River and surplus fish are currently being sold by WDFW.