COLUMBIA RIVER
SALMON DERBY
Presenting the 2026 Columbia River Salmon Derby
Kick-Off Registration Party
Friday, August 21 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Historic Chinook School Event Center
Start the weekend with live music, great food, local beer, wine, and cocktails while connecting with fellow anglers. Register for the derby, check in, and be among the first 125 anglers to receive a swag bag!
Derby Day
Saturday, August 22
Fish Weigh-In: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
After Party
Saturday, August 22 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Celebrate a day on the water with friends, great food and drinks, live entertainment, and the excitement of the official weigh-in.
Whether you're fishing for the prize or just looking to enjoy an incredible community event, everyone is welcome. Gather your crew, bring your best catch, and join us for an amazing weekend at the 2026 Columbia River Salmon Derby!
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THIS IS US
We believe the Port of Chinook is more than a marina—it's the heart of our community. By bringing people together, we can preserve and improve this vital working waterfront for fishermen, families, and future generations.
We unite volunteers, local businesses, sponsors, and community members through fundraising, partnerships, and events that directly invest in projects the Port could not otherwise afford. Every dollar raised stays in our community and supports meaningful improvements.
We are a nonprofit organization that raises funds to enhance the Port of Chinook through community events, volunteer efforts, and our annual Columbia River Salmon Derby.
The Story of Chinook
A Historic Gathering Place
The waters of Baker Bay have connected people for centuries. Long before modern landmarks, this area was the bustling heart of the Chinook Nation. A thriving indigenous village of over 1,000 tribal members operated here as a vital regional trading hub. In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped along these shores, welcomed and aided by the famous local leader Chief Comcomly.
The Era of Abundance
By the late 19th century, Chinook evolved into a powerhouse for the Pacific Northwest fishing industry. The opening of the first local salmon cannery in 1870 sparked a golden era of maritime commerce. For decades, the community thrived alongside the natural rhythms of the Columbia River, building a deep cultural identity rooted in the water.
Preserving Our Waterfront
As fishing industries and regulations shifted, local leaders recognized the need to protect and manage this vital gateway. On February 5, 1951, the Port of Chinook was formally established to safeguard the waterfront for future generations.
Today, the Chinook Port Alliance works to honor this incredible legacy. By funding vital restorations, we ensure that our historic small-boat basin remains a working, living connection to our past—and a vibrant asset for tomorrow.
(Postcard Image by Photo 'Neil)