Salmon Enhancement Derby

The Salmon Enhancement Derby has been taking place annually since 2013 at Moutcha Bay Resort in Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island. This family-friendly event is designed to raise funds for salmon enhancement and habitat restoration within the Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet watershed.

This year, the two-day tournament will take place on July 4th & 5th. We have upped our prizes this year in a big way! Prizes will be awarded to the 3 largest fish caught over the course of the derby. Expect to see a variety of items up for auction and raffle prizes throughout the weekend. As always, our goal is to raise critical funds for the Nootka Sound Watershed Society and Pacific Salmon Foundation so that we can continue to expect healthy salmon returns in the future.

View our recap of the 2025 Salmon Enhancement Derby here!

Tickets are $150/rod +GST. Register and purchase your ticket today!

Congratulations to Cody Weaver on winning the 2025 Salmon Enhancement Derby weighing in at 23.2lbs!

Will your name be on the trophy next year?

1st Place: $2,000 + 3-Night Stay at Nootka Sound Resort, Double Occupancy, with Moorage (2027)

2nd Place: $1,250 + 3 Night Stay at Moutcha Bay Resort, Signature Cedar Yurt, with Moorage (2027)

3rd Place: $750 + 3 Night Stay at Moutcha Bay Resort, Forest Cabin, with Moorage (2027)

Several other prizes to be won!

The Salmon Enhancement Derby will feature a variety of draws, raffles and auctions – giving you multiple chances to take home some amazing prizes. There will be a silent auction, live auction, and of course multiple prize categories for the fish hitting the docks. The prize categories include: 1st, 2nd & 3rd largest salmon, largest coho, largest salmon under 16 years of age, and hidden weight prizes.

Sip 4 Salmon – The Conuma Grill will be serving up pints of cold “Islander Lager” from Vancouver Island Brewing with $1 from every pint sold being donated directly to the Nootka Sound Watershed Society.

Secure your place in this years derby and submit your details below to enter:

This year we will have live music from Cam Boyce of Fanfare!

Fanfare is a culmination of 20 years of musical exploration. A unique solo act, looping both guitar and violin alongside deep soulful vocals and fresh beatbox beats.

A huge thank you goes out to all of our 2026 sponsors. We could not make this event happen year after year without your generous support. It is critical that we raise these funds for salmon enhancement in our area for the future of salmon in Nootka Sound.

Yamaha Motor Canada & Port Boathouse, along with Gibbs Fishing, Shockwave Seats, Island Fisherman, & Vancouver Island Brewingare proud Gold Sponsors of the Moutcha Bay Resort Salmon Enhancement Derby.

Bookings for the 2026 season and derby are open now! Contact our Guest Services team to reserve your space at Moutcha Bay Resort.

Bring your own boat, rent one of ours, or book a Guided Fishing Charter with one of our pro guides! All participants must purchase their tickets and register with Guest Services before arrival.

Salmon Enhancement Derby tickets are $150/rod + GST.