Manistique Trout & Salmon Derby

last weekend in July | Manistique, Michigan

Manistique attracts anglers from all over the Great Lakes to take part in the annual Trout & Salmon Derby. Started in 1985 by local fishermen, the derby has grown every year to now regularly exceed 300 participants. The derby pays 1st-8th place in both Trout and Salmon categories based on largest fish, plus an optional 3-3-3 side tournament. Each year an average of $20,000 is paid out in cash and prizes. The Monday-Wednesday prior to the weekend, a pre-fishing tournament is run, and pays out the top three fish caught each of those days.

41st Annual Manistique Trout & Salmon Derby

July 25th and 26th, 2026
Guaranteed Prizes: 1st Place Salmon | $5,000, 1st Place Trout | $3,000
For More Information: Call Brett at (906) 286-0234

Also paying 2nd-8th Place in Both Categories. 80% Payback on Registration Fee. $40 per Person Registration Fee to Enter. 4 Day Pre-Fishing Contest, Optional 3-3-3 Side Tournament and Women's Tournament. Tournament tickets can be purchased at the following: Linda's Bread Box, Top O'Lake Sport Shop, Wheaty's, Roy's Place

The Manistique Area Sport Fishing Club is excited to kick off the 41st Annual Trout & Salmon Derby. We are looking forward to another great week of fishing and seeing everyone. Mark your calander! Due to the increasing popularity of the Friday Woman’s Tournament, we have added a 4th place prize this year!

event flyer| facebook page

4 Day Pre-Fishing Contest

July 20 - 23, 2026
$1500 Per Day Up for Grabs

$1000 - Day's Largest Fish / $300 - Day's 2nd Largest / $200 - Day's 3rd Largest

$250 per day up for grabs - Heaviest Trout

Optional 3-3-3 Side Tournament

$100 Per Boat
80% payback for Top 3 Places

Women's Tournament

Friday, July 24, 2026 | 5:30am - 2pm

$100 Per Boat - Heaviest three fish, combined weight. 1st ~ $1,000 / 2nd ~ $750 / 3rd ~ $500 / 4th ~ $250

$250 Prize to largest Salmon and Trout caught on Friday. (sponsored by Graymont)

Sponsors

(All pre-derby contestant boats and all on-board personnel must be registered for the Manistique Fishing Derby.) Derby entry ticket price: $40, per person. Prizes are based on the greatest weight, first, and, in case of a tie, length, of any indigenous salmon or trout caught in Lake Michigan during current Derby fishing hours, by any registered contestant with a legitimate entry ticket, fishing from a registered boat. Over $40,000 in Cash and Prizes based on 2025 entries. Numerous Door Prizes, 50/50, Raffle & Drawings! Registrants must be present to win and collect prizes. Each paid entrant is entitled to only one prize in each division. Some photos on this page courtesy of the Pioneer Tribune.

*If you choose to attend or participate in the Manistique Salmon Derby, you acknowledge the possibility of danger, and choose to take your chances with the consequences of any element of danger that may exist. All entities, affiliated with the creation, administration and support of the Manistique Salmon Derby, and associated activities, disavow any responsibility or liability for any injurious consequence that may arise from anyone's choice to attend or participate in the Manistique Salmon Derby, and its associated activities.

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