Tournaments & Derbies
Reel in a big payday with a big catch at one of the many fishing tournaments and derbies throughout Niagara Falls USA.
From fishing competitions, derbies and special events, Niagara Falls USA is the place to be to enjoy this popular outdoor angling adventure!
Don't miss out! Each year, New York State offers free fishing days/weekends, allowing anyone to fish the fresh waters of New York State, and no fishing license is required. It's a great opportunity to try fishing for the first time, or a chance for the whole family to participate. Upcoming free fishing dates for 2022: February 19-20, June 25-26, September 24, and November 11, 2022.
Please note, due to COVID-19 concerns, events may be canceled or rescheduled.
Upcoming 2022 Niagara Falls USA Fishing Competitions, Derbies and Events
The Greater Niagara Fishing & Outdoor Expo + LOTSA Salmon School has been rescheduled for February 16–19, 2023. Learn more here.
20th Annual Don Johannes Memorial Big Fish Contest and 15th Annual Pete DeAngelo Memorial Three-Fish Contest
June 2, 2022 – 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 Boat Doctors or The Gas Shack in Wilson. Call 716-778-0713 for more info. $100 per boat, and 100% cash payout.
37th Annual Skip Hartman Memorial Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament
June 3-4, 2022 – Back to a two day event with a third day set aside for weather challenges. Over $40,000 in cash and prizes last year. For more info call (877) FALLS US or log onto the tournament website for rules and registration information. 100% payback of entry fees!
12th Annual Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Summer Derby
July 2-31, 2022 – 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.
30th Annual Erie Canal Fishing Derby
July 14-24, 2022 – 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. Visit the website for more information. (Bass is included.)
19th Annual Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Assn. King Salmon Tournament
July 16, 2022 (Olcott, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.) – This event offers 100% cash pay back. All participants must be LOTSA members. Deadline to register is July 14 at 6 p.m. July 15 is the 10th Annual Curt Meddaugh Memorial Fishing Derby to remember an important LOTSA member. Free for anyone registered in the Saturday event. Visit the website for more information.
Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Fall Trout and Salmon Derby
August 19-September 5, 2022 – 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.
Reelin’ for a Cure Tournament (one day Ladies-Only event)
August 19, 2022 – This 6th 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. Call Stephanie at 716-481-6388 and also log onto the event’s Facebook page.
46th Annual Greater Niagara “Fall Classic” Derby – 2022: A Fish Odyssey
August 19-28, 2022 – The journey continues with another great event set for 2022 – 46 years of derbies! Last year, over $14,000 in cash and prizes were handed out to winning anglers at Krull Park in Olcott on awards night. 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 for more information. Kids are FREE in a special youth division.
35th Annual NYPA Wildlife Festival
Sept. 24-25, 2022 (tentative) – 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 and free parking.