Fishing Tournaments in Greater Buffalo, NY- November 11, 2022. Free Fishing Day in NY State.
Nov. 11, 2022: 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.
Past Tournaments
April 8-10, 2022- Niagara County Bullhead Tournament. 4pm on April 8 to April 10 at 1pm. Entry fee is $10 for age 13+ and free for those 12 and under. Best two fish.Weigh in the final day at the Wilson Conservation Club. Contact Eric via phone for more information, 716-628-6078.
May 6-15, 2022- 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 14-15, 2022: 9th Annual Wilson Harbor Invitational Salmon Tournament
The tournament is back for another battle of salmon seekers. Check out facebook for the tournament for details. Each day is a separate tournament plus overall options. $1K at day and Salmon Slam options are set for May 7-13.
June 2, 2022: 21st 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 3-4, 2022: 37th 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 12-19,2022- Southtowns Walleye Derby– Sign up at The Southtowns Walleye Association at 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg. or a Lime Lake Marine, Nature’s Prize, Catt, Creek Bait and Tackle, Bill’s Hooks, Bracelona Market Cafe and Nicks Sporting Goods. You can also register online.
June 25-26, September 24 and November 11, 2022: New York State’s Free Fishing Days/Weekends
July 14-17, 2022– Irving, NY-Sunset Bay Walleye Tournament –The tournament is officially the highest paying walleye tournament in the country, with cash and prizes exceeding $150,000.00 for a one-day, walleye shootout.
The entire fleet will line up at the pier heads of the Cattaraugus Creek in Sunset Bay. At 7:00 AM sharp, the fleet shoots off to what they hope will produce the largest 6 walleyes of the day. The public is welcome to walk out on the pier heads to get close to the action of over 100 boats taking off.
Weigh in at 4:30pm on July 19. Sunset Bay Marina is located at 12973 Alleghany Rd. Irving, NY, 14081. Both are in Sunset Bay USA, only minutes from NYS Thruway, exit 58.
July 16, 2022: 19th 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 14 at 6 p.m. Also, July 15, 2022 is the 10th 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.
July 17 to 31, 2022: 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, 2022- Annual Erie Canal Fishing Derby- This is not occurring this year per Lynn Harrington who runs it. Might do it next year on 30th anniversary. 716-425-8144 (lynn)
August 19, 2022: 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 $14,000 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. Kids are Free is a special youth division.
August 19–September 5, 2022: 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 19 to 28, 2022: 46th Annual Greater Niagara “Fall Classic” Derby
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. 24, 2022: 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. 24-25, 2022: 35th 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.
