The 2026 Fort Kent International Muskie Derby drew 208 anglers this weekend, with more fish caught than in recent years and a 45 ⅝-inch muskie taking the top prize. Credit: Courtesy of the Fort Kent International Muskie DerbyThe number of muskie in the river also appears to be increasing, he said, although the size of the fish has remained relatively consistent. Cyr grew up in Fort Kent and saw how little tourism the area attracted during the summer. “The derby weekend is always the busiest weekend in Fort Kent. Credit: Courtesy of the Fort Kent International Muskie DerbyKeeping large, 40-plus-inch fish has drawn criticism from Midwestern anglers, Cyr said, because muskie fishing there is largely based on catch and release.