Tournaments & Derbies

From fishing competitions, derbies and special events, Niagara Falls USA is the place to be to enjoy this popular outdoor angling adventure, and the chance to hook a big payday!

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. Below is a list of upcoming free fishing days/weekends:

  • February 15-16, 2025 (President's Day Weekend)
  • June 28-29, 2025
  • September 27, 2025 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
  • November 11, 2025 (Veterans Day)

Upcoming Niagara Falls USA Fishing Competitions, Derbies And Events

Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Summer Derby
June 28-July 27, 2025
This month-long summer classic offers a grand prize of $15,000 for the biggest salmon, plus over $42,700 in cash and prizes. Weekly prizes for the divisions include $1,000 for salmon and $500 for trout. For more information, call (888) REEL-2-IN or visit their website.

22nd Annual Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association King Salmon Tournament
July 26, 2025
This event offers 100% cash pay back. All participants must be LOTSA members. The deadline to register is July 13 at 6 p.m. For more information, check out the LOTSA website. July 25 is the 15th Annual Curt Meddaugh Memorial Fishing Derby to remember an important LOTSA member. It is free for anyone registered in the Saturday event. For more information, check out the LOTSA website.

Reelin' for a Cure Tournament
August 15, 2025
This 8th annual ladies-only 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 or check out the Facebook page for more information.

50th Annual Greater Niagara Fall Classic Derby: A Fish Odyssey
August 16-24, 2025
The journey continues with another great event set for 2025 – 50 years of derbies! Last year, over $14,000 in cash and prizes were handed out to winning anglers at the NYPA Wildlife Festival 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 Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey on Facebook. Kids are free in a special youth division.

Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Fall Derby
August 15-September 1, 2025
Celebrate the return of the mighty king salmon on Lake Ontario during this 18-day classic. Win a $20,000 grand prize for the largest salmon caught, plus over $63,500 in cash and prizes. For more information, call (888) REEL-2-IN or visit their website.

38th Annual NYPA Wildlife Festival
September 27, 2025 (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!