Joanne Rodgers,
Bruce Peninsula Press
The Annual Chantry Chinook Classic Salmon Derby kicked off July 24, 2026. Many local anglers took to Isthmus Bay throughout the10-day fishing tournament from July 24 to August 2. The derby is a major fundraiser for two fish hatcheries operated by the Lake Huron Fishing Club. The derby boundaries extend from Pine Tree Harbour to Port Albert on the Lake Huron side, and from Cabot Head to Griffith Island on the Georgian Bay side (see https://chantrychinook.com/rules-and-regulations/ for exact boundaries).
The first few days of the derby had great weather for fishing on both Georgian Bay and Lake Huron sides of the peninsula. However by the midway point, anglers had to contend with choppy waters for a few days. Ticket sales were similar to last year’s sales, with over 1,200 tickets sold for the derby.
Many of the local anglers fishing on Isthmus Bay reported fewer fish caught, with some anglers coming up empty-handed.
Co-organizer Josh Choronzey stated that the overall number of fish entered for weighing at the various weigh stations were down slightly. He said that the size is nearly the same for length/weight from last year. However, he reported that the fish being weighed appear healthy, and in good body condition which means they are finding adequate food/baitfish.
Choronzey attributes the slower fishing to the timing of salmon passing through, maybe delayed by the colder spring/early summer.
Volunteers at the weigh station at the Lion’s Head Marina said that the fish being weighed in were averaging about 10-12 lbs and only about 5 to 10 fish are being weighed in daily, which is lower than previous years.
On July 29, Peter Hanson caught a 20.47 lb Chinook out of Lion’s Head. According to the Chantry Derby’s Leaderboard postings, Hanson ended up in the #5 overall spot for the Derby. Also for Senior’s Day held on July 29, Hanson took 1st place.
On August 1, young angler Jaxxson Henderson weighed in a 16.54 lbs Salmon at Lion’s Head in the Junior Salmon category; placing him in 3rd place.
Photo: Peter Hanson (right) caught a stellar 20.47 lb Chinook out of Lion’s Head with his grandson by his side.
Photo L-R: Reid Cameron and Kitt Choronzey with a 15lb and 4lb Salmon.
The largest Lake Trout weighed in at Lion’s Head was caught by Matt Martin at 13.05 lbs. While Debbie Brick weighed in a 11.97 lbs Rainbow Trout on July 30, placing her in the #1 spot in this category.
The Derby is run by dedicated volunteers. Chad with sons Ryan and Tyler volunteered at the Lion’s Head weigh station, and say they try to do what they can to support the Derby and to ensure that it will continue into the future. They also say they see many of the same anglers participating year after year.
For full results, please check https://chantrychinook.com/leaderboard/
Photo Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
