The Town of Fort Kent, Maine together with the Fort Kent International Muskie Derby Committee is pleased to announce the Annual Fort Kent International Muskie Fishing Derby Friday - Sunday, August 12th - 14th, 2011. The derby begins at 9:00 A.M. Friday and the scales will be open until 5:00 P.M. on Sunday evening.

Muskie fishing is considered one of the greatest freshwater sports fish challenges in all of North America. The scenic St. John River has over 225 miles of prime habitat for Muskie fishing. This beautiful natural environment has been proven to be an unlimited resource for this sport-fishing event. Join us and discover just how much fun fishing can be when you do it together. No activity can bond a family together quite like fishing. It's a great way for families to have fun, create new memories and spend a weekend together.

The Fort Kent International Muskie Derby is expanding to include towns located along the St. John River. Participating towns will be allowed to have a “Convenience Weigh Station” for anglers that may be fishing in a given town along the river. Fish will still have to be brought to the Official Weigh Station located at Bee-Jay’s Tavern in Fort Kent.

The convenience weigh stations will allow anglers to get their muskie weighed and measured in the town they are fishing. Should the muskie be large enough to win a prize it still must be brought to Fort Kent. This will allow anglers to spend more time fishing. It will also spread anglers out along the river.

Van Buren is the first town to sign on as a convenience weigh station. Anglers wishing to fish from larger boats will find a paved ramp with docks and ample parking at the Van Buren Boat Launch. The weigh station will be located at the pavilion at the launch.

“Fort Kent will still be the center of all the activities for the Muskie Derby”, said Tracy Hartt, Vice-President of the Derby. “This just gives anglers more options of where they may want to fish and have their muskie score where they are fishing. If the fish is going to win a prize anglers still have to bring it to Fort Kent.”