2008 Derby Dates: July 10-13 Tickets: $15.00 per day, $30.00 for the entire event Awards Banquet: July 13, 7 p.m. at Pullen Pond
Derby Rules Prize List
The Pat Moore Memorial Game Fish Derby is the premier fishing event of Skagway, Alaska. King salmon, the jewel of Alaska's pristine waters, are the focus of this six-day derby that culminates in a fabulous awards banquet. Cash and prizes are awarded to contestants of all ages, and in many different categories. You don't even have to catch a fish to win, but you'll be hard-pressed to keep these great fighters off of your line, as early August is peak season for Chinook angling in Skagway.
Since 2005, our inaugural year, the derby has awarded over $37,000 in cash and prizes to anglers all over the world. All of the prizes were donated by local business and the City of Skagway. 100 percent of the proceeds from the derby are dedicated to local, charitable enterprises. A part of the derby proceeds support a college scholarship set up in the name of Pat Moore and is given each year to a Skagway High School graduate seeking to further their education. This year we are proud to be offering two scholarships of $500 and $1,000.
Pat Moore was a family man, dedicated to his community and its environment. He also had a love for fishing. Pat's wife and kids were the light of his life and he often took them fishing in the early morning hours before work. He was known a man who would catch kings when no one else was getting a bite and even though he owned a fish finder, he never really needed it.
Pat's life was cut short by ALS (Lou Gerhig's Disease). After his diagnosis in Sep 1999, he continued to live his life to the fullest, even serving as Exalted Ruler in the local Elk's lodge. He still had a love of life and was an inspiration to all around him. In the summer he could be seen cruising all over town in his power-wheelchair offering a friendly wave to passers by. He would go down to the docks to watch the boats and people fishing.
It is in Pat's spirit that the derby was created, and so named. It is a family oriented alcohol-fee event, and one of the goals of the derby is to raise ALS awareness.
The derby was founded by Skagway's Taiya Inlet
Watershed Council (TIWC) as a fundraiser.
TIWC is a non-profit organization dedicated
to the health and well-being of the waters
surrounding Skagway.
Skagway's Ladies Eagle's Auxiliary is
another chief sponsor of the event,
their organization is well-known
countrywide for their charitable work.
Skagway is nestled in the mountains surrounding the northern terminus of the Upper Lynn Canal, the longest and deepest fjord in North America. Southeast Alaska is known for its friendly people, unspoiled beauty, and its world-class fishing. Charter captains are available to get you to the fish, but it's best to book your trip early. Shore fishing in Skagway can also be good, and a special prize is awarded to the angler catching the biggest fish from shore.
Join us in Skagway for an unforgettable time. Bring the family, share in the festivities, and test your angling skills. You might just be this year's Grand Prize winner!