EVERETT — Two salmon fishermen, one 103 years old and another from Lake Stevens, were the un-assuming headliners at the 2026 Everett Coho Derby on Sunday.
Wes Defriese of Lake Stevens hauled in the $10,000 first place prize for the biggest coho, tipping 14.24 pounds on the official scale. 103-year-old Russ Rogers was hailed as the oldest angler at this year’s derby which included more than 2000 fishermen of all ages. Rogers has won the un-official award four years in a row.
The Everett Coho Derby is a fundraiser to help bolster fishing habitat and fishing programs in Snohomish County, including stocking local lakes with trout, a salmon fish hatchery raising fish for release in the Skykomish River, carcass planting in the upper Pilchuck River, many different youth activities including trout clinics and fishing events.
The 2nd place prize of $5000 was won by Joshua Neff of Mukilteo who hooked a 13.41 pound coho. Anglers from Lake Stevens and Marysville won 3rd and 4th place respectively taking home $2500 and $1000 prizes. The Everett Coho Derby is described as the biggest fishing derby on the West Coast.
According to derby organizers, 1795 adults participated in the two-day event on Saturday and Sunday. Total number of youth under 12 was 225.
Total fish caught were 1,277 with a combined weight of 8913 pounds. The average weight for coho caught by adults was 6.99 lbs, average weight caught by youth anglers was 6.89.
