Residents in Rankin Inlet are preparing for the 2026 Rankin Inlet Cod Fishing Derby, which is set to take place from May 22 to May 25, 2026. The annual competition serves as one of the community’s largest events, bringing together local families, businesses, and non-profit organizations for ice fishing and community celebrations.
The Rankin Inlet Fishing Derby Committee manages the event, which received formal approval from the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet Council. Registration for the derby is open to residents at a cost of $50 per household. Organizers note that the event rules require participants to be registered, as fish caught by non-registered individuals will not be measured, and participants are not permitted to measure fish under another person’s name.
While the community waits for final details regarding prize amounts and local sponsors, the derby is known for its significant prizes, which have historically totaled approximately $34,000 for trout and cod combined. Most of the funding for these prizes is raised through community bingo events held throughout the year. The event continues a long-standing tradition of celebrating local fishing culture in the Kivalliq region, drawing residents out to the land for the competition.
Rankin Inlet, located on the northwestern shore of Hudson Bay, is the second-largest community in Nunavut with a population of approximately 2,975 people. The derby committee encourages residents to stay updated on further event announcements as the late May start date approaches.
