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.
New York State 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 26–27, 2021
- Sept. 25, 2021
- Nov. 11, 2021
Upcoming 2021-22 Niagara Falls USA Fishing Competitions, Derbies and Events
June 19: 36th Annual Wilson Conservation Club’s Kids Fishing Derby
8 a.m. to noon. Fish in any waters located within Niagara County. Kids ages 3 to 14 years of age may participate. This contest will be based on length and no salmon and trout may be entered into the competition. There is no registration involved. The measuring station will be at the Wilson Conservation Club, 2934 Wilson Cambria Road, Wilson (Route 425) and the awards ceremony will be at 1 p.m. Get your fish to the club by noon. For more information contact Gary Alt, 716-345-9769.
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 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. 25–26, 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.