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. Sign up today for one or all of these fishing derbies taking place this year in Niagara Falls USA.
2019 Niagara Falls USA Competitions, Derbies and Events
Greater Niagara Fishing & Outdoor Expo
January 18 – 20, 2019: Over 120 seminars from 70 different speakers. Held at the Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. Learn more here.
Roger Tobey Memorial Niagara River Anglers Steelhead Contest
March 2, 2019: The Niagara River Anglers Association will be holding their winter steelhead classic at Lewiston Landing. Loads of fun. For information check out the NRAA website.
Greater Lewiston Smelt Festival
May 3, 2019: The highlight is the Friday night Smelt Dip and Fry conducted by the Niagara River Anglers Association on the waterfront starting at 5 p.m. This event is free to the public. More information here.
New York State's Winter Free Fishing Days
February 16 – 17, 2019: Anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required! All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.
Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Spring Trout and Salmon Derby
May 10 – 19, 2019: 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.
8th Annual Wilson Harbor Invitational Salmon Tournament
May 18, 2019: The tournament is back for another battle of salmon seekers. $1500 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. More information here.
18th Annual Don Johannes Memorial Big Fish Contest and 13th Annual Pete DeAngelo Memorial Three-Fish Contest
May 30, 2019: 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.
35th Annual Skip Hartman Memorial Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament
May 31 – June 2, 2019: The tournament is back to two days with one day set aside in case of bad weather. Over $40,000 in cash and prizes last year. For more info call (877) FALLS US or log on to the tournament website for rules and sign up information. 100 percent payback of entry fees!
New York’s Free Fishing Days 2019
June 29 – 30, 2019: Anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required! All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.
10th Annual Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Summer Derby
June 29 – July 28, 2019: Grand prize is $10,000 for biggest salmon. Weekly prizes for the divisions, $30,000 overall. Check out the website for all the details for this new summer event or call (888) REEL-2-IN.
29th Annual Erie Canal Fishing Derby
July 3 – 14, 2019: 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 their website. (Bass is included.)
16th Annual Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Assn. King Salmon Tournament
July 20, 2019: This event offers 100 cash pay back. All participants must be LOTSA members. Deadline to register is July 17 at 6 p.m. (Olcott from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
July 19, 2019: 8th Annual Curt Meddaugh Memorial Fishing Derby to remember an important LOTSA member. Free for anyone registered in the Saturday event.
Orleans County Rotary Derby
August 3 – 18, 2019: Fish Lake Ontario and tributaries from the Niagara River to the Genesee River for salmon and trout. For more information call (585) 589-9881. Olcott does have a weigh station in this local derby, located at The Slippery Sinker.
Reelin’ for a Cure Tournament
August 16, 2019: This 4th annual ladies event will once again be held out of Olcott. It’s a great way to celebrate life and pay tribute to cancer survivors. Last year over $10,000 was raised for Look Good, Feel Better as 21 teams also competed for cash prizes. Call Stephanie at (716) 481-6388 and also log onto the event’s Facebook page.
Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Fall Trout and Salmon Derby
August 16 – September 2, 2019: Over $66,000 in cash 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 to register.
43rd Annual Greater Niagara “Fall Classic” Derby – 2019: A Fish Odyssey
August 17 – 25, 2019: The journey continues with another great event set for 2019 – 43 years of derbies! Last year, over $14,000 in cash and prizes were handed out to winning anglers at the Olcott Fire Hall on awards night. Species categories included salmon, rainbow/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.
New York’s Free Fishing Days 2019
September 28, 2019: Anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required! All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.
32nd Annual NYPA Wildlife Festival
Sept. 28 – 29, 2019: 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. Over 11,000 in attendance in 2018. Free admission.
New York’s Free Fishing Days 2019
November 11, 2019: Anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required! All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.