Goodnight Inn King Salmon Derby

The Kenai Peninsula boasts some of the best and definitely the most accessible King Salmon fishing in the world. All major Peninsula streams as well as many adjacent saltwater areas support king salmon runs throughout the summer months.

Beginning in late April, the first returning kings are headed for the world famous Kenai River and available the in saltwater from Anchor Point to the Deep Creek - Ninilchik River area. As the season progresses, more runs of ocean bright kings begin arriving for the journey up their particular stream of origin. This might be the Anchor River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik River, Kasilof River or the mighty Kenai River.

In the Homer area, Fish & Game provides two enhanced runs of King Salmon returning to the "Fishing Hole" on the Homer Spit as well as a run of King Salmon returning to Halibut Cove Lagoon on the south side of Kachemak Bay.

All of these fish qualify as entrants for the Goodnight Inn Lodge King Salmon Derby. Since the Kenai River is home of the current IGFA all-tackle King Salmon world record of 97 lbs. 4 ounces, this contest is right on the mark for the next angler who breaks this world record with a fish from Peninsula waters. That is, providing he or she has purchased a derby ticket prior to making the catch.

The top prize is $50,000 for any ticket-holding angler who catches a King salmon that breaks the world record. No doubt a fish or two every year that is big enough to beat the record is hooked but never landed. New stories spread through the area each year about "the monster that got away."

Without a record breaker, anglers still have a chance at pocketing a tidy sum for their endeavors. Cash prizes are awarded for First through Third places. All weigh-ins will be done on the Goodnight Inn certified scale located in Soldotna. To qualify, a king has to be caught on hook and line somewhere on the Kenai Peninsula.

Derby Date: May 16 through August 15

Ticket Cost: $10 per day, $20 for entire season
Grand Prize: $50,000 for all-tackle World Record King Salmon
First Place(largest fish): $3,000
Second Place: $1,500
Third Place: $500

There is also a $500 prize for the guide which has his customer land the winning fish in his boat.

For more information about other weekly prizes and sponsors for this year contact the Goodnight Inn at 262-4584 or email them at atgn@ptialaska.net. Tickets can be purchased at the Goodnight Inn and the Fishing Hole tackle shop in Soldotna.

For additional information on camping, lodging, dining, fishing guides, sightseeing and community activities, contact:

Soldotna Chamber of Commerce
44790 Sterling Hwy
Soldotna, Alaska 99669
Phone: (907) 262-9814; Fax: (907) 262-3566
e-mail: solchmbr@ptialaska.net

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