What Lake Ontario Counties Derbies Are and Who Runs Them

Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) is a coalition of fishing clubs and organizations around Lake Ontario that runs seasonal derbies — competitive fishing events where anglers catch trout and salmon for prizes. The derbies are open to the public, not just club members, and they happen throughout the year in different locations around the lake. Entry fees are modest, usually between $10 and $25 per person, and the money funds conservation work and youth fishing programs.

LOC derbies are run by volunteer committees in each participating county. The organization has been coordinating these events for decades, and the derbies have become a way for local anglers to compete, learn from each other, and support the fishery they depend on. You do not need to be an experienced angler to enter — people fish these derbies at every skill level.

Key Takeaways

  • LOC derbies run year-round at different locations around Lake Ontario, with spring and fall events drawing the most participants.
  • Entry fees typically range from $10 to $25, and you can enter as an individual or as part of a team.
  • You must follow New York State fishing regulations, including possession of a valid fishing license and adherence to species-specific size and bag limits.
  • Prize money and awards vary by derby, but most events award cash or tackle to top finishers in multiple categories.
  • Registration happens at the event itself or online through the county committee running that particular derby.

When and Where LOC Derbies Take Place

LOC derbies run on a seasonal schedule that follows the fish. Spring derbies (April through May) target lake trout and brown trout as they move into shallower water. Summer events focus on salmon and steelhead. Fall derbies (September through October) are often the largest, with multiple weekends of competition as fish return to spawn. Winter derbies happen but are less common and depend on ice conditions and weather.

Each county around Lake Ontario — including Monroe, Wayne, Oswego, Jefferson, and others — hosts its own derbies on different dates. The specific launch sites, weigh-in locations, and times vary by event. You can find the current schedule and location details by contacting the county committee directly or checking with local bait and tackle shops, which often post derby flyers and registration information.

What Fish You Can Catch and Size Rules

LOC derbies focus on lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout (steelhead), and Chinook salmon and Coho salmon. Different derbies may emphasize different species depending on the season and what is running in that part of the lake. Some derbies have categories for each species, so a large brown trout and a large Chinook might compete in separate divisions.

You must follow New York State size and bag limits for whatever species you are targeting. Lake trout have a 21-inch minimum; brown trout are 15 inches; steelhead are 12 inches. Salmon minimums vary — Chinook are typically 15 inches, Coho 12 inches. Bag limits (the number of fish you can keep per day) also vary by species and sometimes by season. Check the current New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) fishing regulations before you go, because limits change and vary by region of the lake.

How to Register and What to Bring

Most LOC derbies allow you to register on the day of the event at the launch site, though some larger events offer pre-registration online or by phone. When you arrive, you will pay your entry fee, receive a derby number or ticket, and get instructions on weigh-in procedures and any special rules for that event. Bring your New York State fishing license — you will need to show it at registration, and fishing without one is illegal.

Bring your own boat or arrange to fish from a charter or with another angler. Some derbies have designated launch sites; others allow fishing from shore or piers. Weigh-in is usually at a central location (often a marina or bait shop) during a set window of time — typically a few hours in the afternoon. Bring your catch in a cooler with ice, and plan to have them weighed before the deadline. Fish that arrive after weigh-in closes do not count.

Prize Structure and What Winners Receive

Prize money and awards depend on the specific derby and how many people enter. Larger spring and fall events may have prize pools of several hundred dollars, divided among top finishers in categories like largest fish overall, largest fish by species, or most fish caught. Smaller derbies might award tackle, gift certificates to local shops, or smaller cash prizes. Some derbies also have youth categories with separate prizes to encourage younger anglers.

The entry fee you pay goes partly to prizes and partly to the county committee's conservation and education fund. Ask the organizers at registration what the prize breakdown is for that event — they can tell you exactly how many places pay out and what the awards are.

Rules You Need to Know Before You Fish

Every LOC derby requires you to follow New York State fishing regulations. That means a valid fishing license, correct species identification, and adherence to size and bag limits. Some derbies have additional rules — for example, some require that all fish be caught during the official derby hours, not before or after. Some specify which methods are allowed (rod and reel only, no nets or traps). Read the derby rules at registration or ask the organizers.

Fish must be alive or freshly dead at weigh-in — no frozen fish from previous trips. Weigh-in is usually done on a certified scale, and the weight recorded is official. If there is a tie for a prize, the derby committee will decide how to break it (sometimes by earliest weigh-in time, sometimes by splitting the prize). Treat other anglers and the organizers with respect; derbies are community events, and poor behavior can get you banned from future events.

How to Find Your Local Derby and Get More Information

Start by calling or visiting the bait and tackle shops in the county where you want to fish. They know the local derby schedule, have registration forms, and can answer questions about that year's events. You can also contact the county's Parks and Recreation department or search online for "[County name] Lake Ontario fishing derby" to find the committee's contact information.

If you are new to derby fishing, go early to watch how weigh-in works and talk to other anglers. Most people in the derby community are generous with advice about where fish are running, what tackle works, and how to handle the species you are targeting. Derbies are as much about learning and community as they are about winning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish a LOC derby?

No. Some derbies allow fishing from shore, piers, or breakwalls. Others require a boat. Check the specific derby rules before you register. If you do not own a boat, you can hire a charter captain or fish with another angler who does.

Can I fish multiple derbies in the same season?

Yes. Many anglers fish several derbies throughout the year. Each derby is a separate event with its own entry fee and prizes. Winning in one derby does not affect your standing in another.

What if I catch a fish that is too small or over the bag limit?

You must release it immediately. Only fish that meet New York State size and bag limits can be weighed. The derby organizers and other anglers will be watching, and violations can result in disqualification and being banned from future events.

How much does it cost to enter?

Entry fees typically range from $10 to $25 per person, depending on the derby. Some events offer team entries at a higher fee. Ask the organizers for the exact cost when you contact them about registration.

What happens if I cannot make the weigh-in deadline?

Your fish will not count. Weigh-in windows are set and enforced so the event stays on schedule. Plan to be back at the weigh-in location well before the deadline, especially if you are fishing far from shore.