The First Kingfish //  Vedder River Steelhead Derby

Nitrate negative taken by Cec Bradwin: "Steelhead Derby". According to the Chilliwack Progress from December 31, 1962, Helen Petkovich won the women’s competition.Photograph courtesy of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, [2010.060.02117]. — Nitrate negative taken by Cec Bradwin: "Steelhead Derby". According to the Chilliwack Progress from December 31, 1962, Helen Petkovich won the women’s competition.
*Photograph courtesy of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, [*2010.060.02117].

Hosted annually on Boxing Day almost every year, the Vedder River Steelhead Derby is a Chilliwack classic. First held in 1937-1938, the event was originally conceived by George Rannie and Jack Pilling, with the support of the Chilliwack Fish and Game Club (later renamed the Chilliwack Fish and Game Protective Association). In future years, the Association assumed derby management, which continues to this day. The date and duration of the Derby has changed over time, shortening from a months long Derby to a one-day affair and the dates changing over time to coincide with steelhead runs.

45 entrants who had qualified in the elimination contests held in the late fall-early winter met at the Vedder Crossing Bridge on February 6, 1938 for the first Vedder River Steelhead Derby. Officially launched by the ringing a gunshot at 7 am, fishermen and women scattered brusquely on foot (as per Derby rules) along the banks of the Vedder River, eager to claim their fishing grounds. Contestants had 4.5 hours to both catch and submit their steelhead for weigh-in at the Derby weigh stations. With the echoing of a second gunshot at 11:30 am, the competition closed and no more fish could be submitted or weighed. Some contestants who chose fishing grounds further away from the Vedder Bridge were forced to run to the station to beat the gun.

A crowd of approximately 750 people attended the awards ceremony at the Bridge, where prizes were handed out in a number of diverse categories. The W.S. Simpson Cup, a trophy bestowed upon the female angler who caught the largest steelhead, was awarded to Kay Nelmes, who also received a casserole and watch for her efforts. Armed with a bamboo rod during the competition, Carl Wilson claimed first overall in the Derby with the heaviest fish, a catch weighing 12 lbs 9 oz. With the catch, Carl won the Ferguson & Furnell cup, $125 ($2,246.71 in 2019, accounting for inflation) and boasting rights. As a result of winning the championship, Carl became known as “Kingfish Carl,” a title claimed by the winner of the Derby. The title of “Kingfish” continues today with the King Fish Trophy, given to anglers with the heaviest steelhead catch.

Be sure to check out the Chilliwack Museum and Archives to learn more about our community’s rich history:
https://www.chilliwackmuseum.ca

And their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ChilliwackMuseumArchives