Walkerton angler lands largest salmon in almost 20 years at Chantry Chinook derby

The Widdes family (above) of Walkerton has caught the largest salmon in almost 20 years at the Chantry Chinook Classic Salmon Derby.

Caitlin Widdes landed the 28.96-pound catch, Monday night, and brought it to the Saugeen Shores weigh station.

Widdes said she still can't believe she reeled in such a large fish and is now the derby leader. “Captain Jeff Widdes did another excellent job putting us on the fish! And thanks to Brad Thomas at Lake Huron Rod and Gun for having the right lures in stock that day!”

In second, is Melissa Vallance of Mississauga, with a 25.22-pound Chinook; and in third, is Justin Wdowiak of Port Elgin, with a 24.1-pound Chinook.

Ernie Ackert of Kincardine continues to lead the trout category, with a 28.29-pound lake trout; followed by Gaige Jackson of Port Elgin, with a 22.12-pound lake trout; and Corey Engler of Wellesley, with a 19.64-pound lake trout.

The leading 28.96-pound Chinook is the largest salmon caught in the derby in almost 20 years.

Back in 2001, the winner was 26.54-pounds, followed by 2002's winner of 24.10-pounds. Then it began to dwindle to less than 20 pounds for the next several years, before the winner in 2011 which was 22.3-pounds. It has since hovered around the 20-pound mark, including 2014, 21.1-pounds; 2015, 17.07-pounds; 2016, 23.78-pounds; 2017, 21.32-pounds, and last year, 23 pounds.

The derby continues through to Sunday, with a $15,000 prize for the largest salmon, $4,000 for the second-largest and $2,000 for the third-largest.

Top trout brings a prize of $7,500, followed by $1,500 for second, and $750 for third.

There are numerous additional prizes for special days, hidden weight, largest salmon at the end of the first week, largest rainbow trout, etc. Prizes will be presented at the awards ceremony, Sunday afternoon, at the Whitney Crawford Community Centre in Tiverton.

Weigh stations are located in Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, Wiarton and Pike Bay.

There are also special days for ladies, seniors and youth to fish at the derby.

For complete details, check the website at: www.chantrychinook.com/