Tournaments & Derbies
Reel in a big payday with a big catch in Niagara Falls USA with a plethora of fishing tournaments and derbies.
From fishing competitions, derbies and special events, Niagara Falls USA is the place to be to enjoy this popular outdoor angling adventure and earn some extra cash.
Please note, the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo and the LOTSA Salmon School have been rescheduled to Feburary 17–20, 2022. Learn more here.
Due to COVID-19, events may be canceled or rescheduled.
2021-22 Niagara Falls USA Fishing Competitions, Derbies and Events
January 1–February 28, 2021: New York State Winter Classic
Fish may be caught anywhere in the state. Entry fee is $25 and there will be weekly, monthly, and overall prizes throughout the 2-month long competition. For more information or to register, visit the website.
January 2–March 15, 2021: Winter Fishing Derby
Hosted by Capt. Bob’s Outdoors, located at 10295 Main St., Clarence. There are 7 different divisions for fish species and the entry fee is $20. Fish may be caught through the ice or in open water. All fish have a catch and release option with picture, tape measure and witness. For more information call 716-407-3021 or visit the website.
February 13–14, 2021: New York State's Free Fishing Days/Weekends
During Free Fishing Days/Weekends, anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required! All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.
February 27, 2021 (Tentative): Roger Tobey Memorial Niagara River Anglers Steelhead Contest
The Niagara River Anglers Association will be holding their winter steelhead classic at Lewiston Landing in the lower river and Lake Ontario tributaries. $20 entry plus optional $5 brown trout. Must be a member for $20. For information check out the NRAA Facebook page.
May 7–16, 2021: Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Spring Trout and Salmon Derby
This premier spring kick-off classic, offering a $15,000 Grand Prize for the largest salmon caught overall, also sports over $44,000 in cash and prizes overall. More than 60 percent of all the winning fish come from the waters off Niagara. For more information, call (888) REEL-2-IN or visit their website.
May 15, 2021 (Tentative): 9th Annual Wilson Harbor Invitational Salmon Tournament
The tournament is back for another battle of salmon seekers. $1000 entry fee includes Big Fish and a one day-six fish big bucks tournament during prime time for spring fishing. Grand prize for a full field will be $25,000. New rules this year; learn more here.
June 3, 2021: 20th Annual Don Johannes Memorial Big Fish Contest & 15th Annual Pete DeAngelo Memorial Three-Fish Contest
This is a precursor to the Pro-Am tournaments to get the teams warmed up for the fishing action. You don’t have to be in the pro-am to fish, though. Sign up at The Slippery Sinker, The Boat Doctors or The Gas Shack in Wilson. Call 716-778-0713 for more info. $100 per boat. 100 percent cash pay-out.
June 4–5, 2021: 36th Annual Skip Hartman Memorial Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament
Back to a two-day event with a third day set aside for weather challenges. Over $40,000 in cash and prizes last year. 100 percent payback of entry fees! For more information, call (877) FALLS US or log onto the tournament website for rules and sign up information.
June 26–27, 2021: New York State's Free Fishing Days/Weekends
During Free Fishing Days/Weekends, anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required! All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.
June 26–July 25, 2021: 11th Annual Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Summer Derby
Grand prize is $10,000 for biggest salmon. Weekly prizes for the divisions ($1,000 for salmon and $500 for trout), $30,000 overall. Check out the website for all the details for this new summer event or call (888) REEL-2-IN.
July 15–25, 2021 (Tentative): 30th Annual Erie Canal Fishing Derby
The Erie Canal is spotlighted for this family-oriented fishing competition offering up more than $8,000 in prizes. Eligible waters include from the Niagara River to the Main Street Bridge in Albion (Route 98) – 50 miles of waters. For more information, visit the website. (Bass is included.)
July 17, 2021: 18th Annual Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Assn. King Salmon Tournament (6 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
This event offers 100 percent cash pay back. All participants must be LOTSA members. Deadline to register is July 15 at 6 p.m. Also, July 16, 2021 is the 9th Annual Curt Meddaugh Memorial Fishing Derby to remember an important LOTSA member. Free for anyone registered in the Saturday event. For more information, visit the website.
August 20, 2021: Reelin’ for a Cure Tournament (One day, ladies-only event)
This 5th annual ladies event will once again be held out of Wilson and Olcott. It’s a great way to celebrate life and pay tribute to cancer survivors. Last year, over $13,000 was raised for the Hope for Two group as 36 teams also competed for cash prizes. Call Stephanie at 716-481-6388 and also log onto the event’s Facebook page.
August 20–September 6, 2021: Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Fall Trout and Salmon Derby
Over $70,000 in cash and prizes including a $25,000 Grand Prize for the largest trout or salmon caught during this 18-day event. Help anglers celebrate the return of the mighty king salmon on Lake Ontario! Sign up in local tackle shops or call (888) REEL-2-IN. You can also visit their website for more info or to register.
August 21–29, 2021: 45th Annual Greater Niagara “Fall Classic” Derby | 2021: A Fish Odyssey
Species categories included salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, smallmouth bass, carp and walleye. All have a chance to win the Grand Prize. For more information, call (877) FALLS US or visit the website. Kids are FREE in a special youth division.
Sept. 25, 2021: New York State's Free Fishing Days/Weekends
During Free Fishing Days/Weekends, anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required! All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.
Sept. 25–26, 2021 (Tentative): 34th Annual NYPA Wildlife Festival
Held in conjunction with National Hunting and Fishing Day weekend, this event is co-sponsored by the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs and held on the grounds of the Power Authority’s Visitor Center in Lewiston. Doors are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
Nov. 11, 2021: New York State's Free Fishing Days/Weekends
During Free Fishing Days/Weekends, anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required! All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.