The Lake Michigan Salmon Derby is a highly anticipated event for fishing enthusiasts, offering the chance to compete for substantial cash and prize packages. Organized by Salmon Unlimited Wisconsin and The Ultimate Salmon Derby, this derby attracts anglers from across the region to test their skills and vie for the top spots.
Salmon Unlimited Wisconsin and Salmon-A-Rama
The Salmon Unlimited Wisconsin, formed in 1973, is the driving force behind the Lake Michigan Salmon Derby. This event, also known as Salmon-A-Rama, takes place from July 13th to July 24th and boasts a grand prize package of up to $50,000 in cash and prizes, with the total prize pool nearing over $100,000.
The derby covers the entirety of Lake Michigan, providing a vast and diverse fishing ground for participants. Salmon Unlimited Wisconsin has been instrumental in supporting the Lake Michigan fishery and ensuring the continued success of this beloved event.
The Ultimate Salmon Derby
In addition to the Salmon Unlimited Wisconsin event, there is another premier salmon fishing tournament known as The Ultimate Salmon Derby. This derby spans a longer duration, running from June 15th to August 25th, and offers over $150,000 in prizes.
The Ultimate Salmon Derby covers both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, giving anglers the opportunity to explore and fish in these two iconic Great Lakes. Founded by fishermen for fishermen, this derby aims to provide an equal playing field for all participants, ensuring a fair and exciting competition.
Manitowoc Salmon Derby
The Manitowoc Salmon Derby is another notable event that takes place on Lake Michigan. This derby runs from July 4th to July 7th, with the highlight being the Super Tournament on July 6th, which runs from 5 a.m. to noon. Additionally, the Manitowoc Salmon Derby hosts a free Kids’ Fishing Derby on July 6th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., catering to the next generation of anglers.
The Manitowoc Salmon Derby is centered around the marina on Lake Michigan, providing a picturesque setting for the event.
Registration and Participation
Participating in the Lake Michigan Salmon Derby is a straightforward process. Anglers can find the registration details on the official websites of Salmon Unlimited Wisconsin and The Ultimate Salmon Derby. The events are open to fishermen of all types, including those with big boats, small boats, and even shore-based anglers, as well as youngsters.
Additional Information
In addition to the main derby events, there are also Jackpot Series dates that run from June 8th to August 10th and August 24th. These Jackpot Series provide additional opportunities for anglers to win prizes and cash.
Another notable event is the Wier Day, which is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 12th. This event offers a unique opportunity to observe the salmon migration and gain insights into the health of the Lake Michigan fishery.
To stay up-to-date with the latest news and events, be sure to visit the official websites of Salmon Unlimited Wisconsin and The Ultimate Salmon Derby.
References:
- Salmon Unlimited Wisconsin. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://salmonunlimitedwisconsin.com
- Manitowoc Salmon Derby. (2024, June 30). Retrieved from https://www.htrnews.com/story/sports/outdoors/2024/06/30/manitowoc-salmon-derby-2024-at-marina-on-lake-michigan-with-live-bands-food-and-tournaments/74197117007/
- The Ultimate Salmon Derby. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://theultimatesalmonderby.com
- An Inside Look At The Lake Michigan Salmon Tournament Experience. (2022, May 9). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvfa2NuzJuM
- ABOUT US | The Ultimate Salmon Derby. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://theultimatesalmonderby.com/about-us/.