The 62nd Annual National Lake Trout Derby will return to Seneca Lake Memorial Day weekend, offering anglers a chance to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes.
The three-day fishing derby is scheduled for May 23 through May 25 and will once again be headquartered in Waterloo. Organizers say this year’s event will feature a grand prize of $7,500 for the largest lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, or landlocked salmon caught during the competition. Total cash prizes for the derby are listed at $25,000.
Prize payouts include:
- Lake Trout: $2,500 for first place, $1,250 for second, and $750 for third.
- Landlocked Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout: $1,500 for first place, $750 for second, and $500 for third.
- Minor division awards will also be presented.
According to derby rules, contestants must pre-register and all eligible occupants on participating boats must also be registered. Only trout or salmon caught in Seneca Lake are eligible for prizes.
Fishing hours are scheduled from 5 a.m. Saturday through noon Monday. Fish must be checked in at official weigh stations between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and between 7 a.m. and noon on Monday.
Weigh stations will be located at Stivers Seneca Marine and Clute Park.
Applications are currently being accepted at Stivers Seneca Marine in Waterloo and Roy’s Marina in Geneva. Organizers also plan to accept registrations during the Finger Lakes Troller Association Outdoor Show at Clute Park in Watkins Glen. Mail-in entries must be submitted by May 11, while online entries will be accepted through May 22.
An awards ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, May 25, at the Tiki Bar North at Stivers Seneca Marine on Route 96 in Waterloo. The event will include recognitions, the official award ceremony, and live music beginning at 3 p.m.
Organizers note that prizes will be paid based on a minimum of 1,200 entries, with payouts adjusted proportionally if participation falls below that number, except for minor division prizes.
Additional information and registration details are available through Finger Lakes Sports-O-Rama and the National Lake Trout Derby.
