Tickets are running out for the 2016 Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby.

This year the annual event runs Feb. 19-21 instead of the traditional slot on Presidents Day weekend.

All tickets will be sold in advance, with ticket sales ending on today, Wednesday, Feb. 17; no tickets will be sold at weigh stations during the derby.

What hasn’t changed is the scope of the derby — with 500 square miles of fishing, five weigh stations, a $10,000 first prize and great $500 Mystery Fish prizes.

The event, formerly the Discovery Bay Salmon Derby, is hosted by the Gardiner Salmon Derby Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that supports area emergency and other services. Each year, derby proceeds have been used to fund local emergency response and other support services for Gardiner, Diamond Point, Blyn and nearby communities.

The 2016 derby proceeds will be used for similar purposes.

This winter the blackmouth classic also is part of the Northwest Marine Trade Association’s Northwest Salmon Derby Series.

Barry Wood, president of Gardiner Salmon Derby Association, said he is upbeat about the 2016 event.

“What could be better than spending a weekend in February enjoying fishing on the Olympic Peninsula?” Wood asked. “As always, we will be awarding lots of great prizes.”

Tickets — $40 for one day — already are available and may be purchased at many area merchants. Tickets also may be purchased online for $42.50 through www.GardinerSalmonDerby.org.

See the website for information about ticket sale locations, online ticket sales and other details — including the no-cost tickets available for Wounded Warriors, thanks to local donations.

Derby details

The derby spans the North Olympic Peninsula, with weigh stations at five launch ramps: Freshwater Bay and Ediz Hook in Port Angeles, John Wayne Marina in Sequim, Gardiner Beach in Gardiner and Port Townsend Boat Haven.

Derby volunteers inspect and weigh submitted fish, which are then returned to the angler.

This derby uses selective fishery – clipped-fin hatchery fish only.

The awards ceremony is at 3 p.m.  Sunday, Feb. 21, at the Gardiner Boat Ramp  — an hour later than in earlier years — and the ceremony includes a cash prize raffle. A free barbecue starts at noon preceding the awards ceremony.

As usual, the Northwest Marine Trade Association will be there displaying its $65,000-plus 2016 grand prize boat — each ticket holder is automatically entered into the association’s prize boat drawing, held later in the year.

This year, the grand prize boat was awarded to an angler from the 2015 Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby.

For more information, including derby rules, plus information about the grand prize boat drawing, visit www.GardinerSalmonDerby.org.