Low Salmon returns force cancellation of Brewster King Salmon Derby

BREWSTER – The 19th annual Brewster King Salmon Derby has been cancelled this year.

The largest derby on the Columbia River is normally held during the first weekend of August. The event has been an anchor event for nearly two decades, drawing fishermen from all over the Northwest for its cash and prize payouts.

Derby organizer Mike Mauk, owner of the Brewster Bait and Tackle Shop (maukfishingstuff.com). issued the closure notice on Thursday morning, July 10.

Mauk cited a significantly low return of sockeye and king salmon stating:

“In the interest of conservation and helping to prolong the fishing season for everyone, we believe stepping back from the derby this year is the responsible choice,” said Mauk. “Holding the event under current conditions would not provide a fair or enjoyable experience for participants, and we want to do our part to support the fishery’s long-term health.”

Mauk is not the only derby organizer to reach a similar conclusion. The Pete Flohr Memorial Wenatchee Salmon Derby also cancelled its two-day event on July 11-12, with the following:

“Due to in-season updates, regulatory changes, and low catch rates – interest in this year’s derby has significantly declined. After careful consideration, and in fairness to our participants, sponsors, and the fishing community, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s derby.”

Sockeye are hitting

In the interim, the sockeye fishing, reduced to four days a week, is flourishing.

“Sockeye season is big right now until they (WDFW) cancel it,” Mauk said.

The latest sockeye update for Hanford Reach and Upper Columbia River salmon includes:

The Interstate-182 Bridge at Richland to the boundary markers 650 feet below the fish ladder at Priest Rapids Dam: 

• July 9 through 31: Open Wednesdays through Saturdays. Closed Sundays through Tuesdays. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit two sockeye. Release all other salmon.

Wells Dam to Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster: 

• July 7 through 15: Closed to salmon fishing.
• July 16 through Aug. 31: Open Wednesdays through Saturdays. Closed Sundays through Tuesdays. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit two sockeye. Release all other salmon.

Highway 173 Bridge to the Army Corps of Engineers safety marker on the Douglas County shore to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek: 

• July 9 through Aug. 31: Open Wednesdays through Saturdays. Closed Sundays through Tuesdays. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit two sockeye. Release all other salmon.

WDFW cited a reduction in the run size from 350,200 to 183,200 fish as the reason for its decision. 

“At this reduced run size, the total number of sockeye available for harvest is approximately 12,800 fish (minus harvest through July 6),” said WDFW. “The number of sockeye available for harvest is subject to change based off future upgrades or downgrades to the run size.”

WDFW further cautioned that the fishery will be monitored closely and could potentially close at any time if harvest targets are achieved. 

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media