A Tradition Of Silver Derbies In Seward Turns 70

The following appears in the August issue of Alaska Sporting Journal:

BY TIFFANY HERRINGTON

In Alaska, few fishing traditions run as deep as the Seward Silver Salmon Derby. Now celebrating its 70th year, this weeklong event has drawn anglers from all walks of life since 1956.

What began as a community-led celebration of coho salmon and sport fishing has grown into one of the most cherished fishing derbies in the state, and certainly one of the most scenic. Each August, Resurrection Bay becomes a playground of possibility as boats scatter across the water, youth and adult anglers line the docks and the local community buzzes with excitement. This year’s derby runs August 9-17.

With cash jackpots, daily mystery weight prizes, youth divisions and even a buy-back program that supports local fish enhancement, the derby strikes a balance between fun and stewardship. And in 2025, organizers are casting a new line by launching a professional charter division, inviting local captains and their clients to enter a separate contest alongside the traditional derby. It’s a nod to Seward’s thriving charter scene, and a way to make the event more accessible to visiting anglers who don’t have their own boat but want in on the action.

As the Seward Silver Salmon Derby marks its 70th anniversary, it continues to celebrate not only the thrill of the catch but the strong sense of community, history and stewardship that defines this coastal town. Whether you’re a local veteran or a visiting angler trying your luck for the first time, this year’s derby offers more ways than ever to cast your line and be part of a living Alaskan tradition.
We caught up with Amanda Sweeting, executive director of the Seward Chamber of Commerce, to learn more about this year’s highlights and what makes the Silver Salmon Derby so special after seven decades.

Tiffany Herrington This is the 70th year of the Seward Silver Salmon Derby! What makes this event such a longstanding tradition in the community?

Amanda Sweeting Well, it really comes down to its deep-rooted ties to the Seward community and Alaskan fishing culture. Seward grew into a sportfishing destination in the early 1950s once roads connected it to Anchorage, drawing visitors to Resurrection Bay. The community fully embraced salmon fishing – so much so that by 1956, locals launched the Silver Salmon Derby to celebrate the region’s coho abundance.

TH For readers who may not be familiar, how would you describe the overall atmosphere of the derby – on the water, at the weigh-in station and around town during the week?

AS The Seward Silver Salmon Derby has an electric, community-driven atmosphere that’s unlike anything else. Out on the water, there’s a mix of excitement and anticipation as anglers – everyone from seasoned pros to first- timers – try to land that winning silver salmon. You’ll see boats scattered across Resurrection Bay, all sharing in the thrill of the chase. At the weigh-in station, the energy ramps up! Crowds gather to watch fish being measured and recorded, with people cheering and speculating who might take the top prize. There’s a sense of friendly competition but also camaraderie; it’s just as fun to watch as it is to participate.

TH Tell us about the new professional charter division. What inspired the addition, and how does it work?
AS We wanted to create a space for local captains to not only have a fun opportunity to compete with each other, but also market fishing charter trips to anglers who want to participate with the guidance and experience of a pro. Plus, clients who fish with a charter are still eligible for all derby prizes in addition to a $500 “heaviest silver” prize from a charter boat! It’s really a way to incentivize visitors to participate in the derby and bring in business for local captains.

TH How has the charter community responded to the new contest? Do you anticipate strong participation?
AS We’re still getting the word out and are excited to see who signs up this year! We believe it will grow each year and eventually become an integral aspect of future Silver Salmon Derbies.

TH What kind of experience does this offer to visiting anglers who book a charter and enter the derby for the first time?

AS Booking with one of the competing charters is an excellent way to get an in-depth look at Alaskan salmon fishing culture and community. Many charter captains have insider knowledge of where to source cohos and will clean the fish for their clients, as well as package and mail out the catch. It makes the derby much more accessible for visitors or anyone without their own boat.

TH Have you noticed any trends in participation – like more youth anglers, returning champions or first-time competitors?

AS We’re seeing a healthy mix of competitors. Youth anglers are encouraged and rewarded with fun prizes, and at the same time, the derby still attracts dedicated repeat anglers; some have returned year after year and continue to perform strongly in adult and cumulative weight prizes. But the beauty of the event is that it’s accessible to newcomers too – with daily tickets, mystery weights, tagged fish jackpots and side-pot categories; even first-timers have a real shot at winning something.

TH In addition to the fishing itself, what other derby traditions or events help make the week special?
AS Local nonprofits come out each evening to grill hot dogs for anglers, their friends and families, and derby volunteers. This creates space for community gathering and supports meaningful causes. We also host an annual awards ceremony on the final afternoon of the derby. This year, it’ll be held at Tidewater Taphouse in their ocean-inspired harbor-area restaurant. With appetizers and beverages for purchase and a festive open-air patio, we’re looking forward to celebrating winners in a great atmosphere. Everyone is welcome to attend!

TH Can you share a memorable story or moment from a past derby that captures the spirit of the event?
AS This year, we’re dedicating the derby to local legend Dorothy Urbach, who passed away earlier this year. Dorothy was a passionate advocate for the derby and served as its publicity coordinator for 30 years. She also competed as an angler several times and won the 1979 derby with a 16.11-pound coho salmon! Dorothy was always happy to share her derby stories, and we’ll be honoring her legacy throughout the week.

TH The buy-back program helps fund Resurrection Bay fish enhancement. How important is the conservation aspect to the derby’s mission?

AS The buy-back program directly supports local fish enhancement efforts in Resurrection Bay. Participants understand that the event isn’t just a competition; it’s part of a long-term cycle that supports local fisheries and sustainability. That connection between fun and conservation is a big part of what makes the Seward Silver Salmon Derby so special.

TH What prizes or features are you personally most excited about this year?
AS A special prize is being sponsored by Royal Caribbean Cruises for the 70th-place finisher, in honor of the 70th anniversary. That winner receives two tickets on a Royal Caribbean cruise of their choice! We also have 10 tagged fish in Resurrection Bay, including one valued at $20,000!

TH Is there anything new or different this year that you’d like to highlight for readers thinking about entering or visiting? 

AS The pro fishing category is an excellent opportunity for visitors to get out on a professional charter and have fun in the derby without needing their own boat … or even much experience. Through the guidance of an experienced captain, they can enjoy the derby to its fullest! Plus, they’re able to compete in the derby for free on the days they fish with a participating charter. ASJ

Editor’s note: For registration details, rules and prize info, visit the official site at seward.com/salmon-derby. Writer Tiffany Herrington is based in the Seattle area.