2024 Tri-County Fishing Derby

TO RECEIVE PAYOUT…

• Must be a registered fisherman wearing official Tri- County Trout Derby Button 2024.
• Bring your LIVE fish with a 2024 tag (Color TBD) to an official checkpoint for verification and to receive   an Official Verified Ticket from Derby Official. (Every fisherman packet includes a plastic bag for keeping fish alive to transport to checkpoints)
• At Derby Headquarters you receive your money by turning in:          
• Official 2024 Tag (Color TBD) clipped off the fish
• Official Verified Ticket- received at a checkpoint

Official Checkpoint Locations:

1. Derby Headquarters - Sponsored by Machias Outdoors: Arcade VFW: 550 W Main St, Arcade, NY 14009
2. The Fishing Access Point - Sponsored by Pioneer Motorsports: At the Route 16 Bridge
3. The Fishing Access Point - Sponsored by Maple Grove Enterprises: Arcade Center Farm, Rt 98 N, Arcade

RULE REMINDERS:

1. Period: The Tri-County Trout Derby is Saturday - April 13th, 6:30am - 7:00pm, and Sunday - April 14th, 6:30am - 2:00pm
2. Eligibility: All men, women, and children are eligible regardless of age. All entrants aged 16 and older must be the holder of a valid New York State fishing license. Derby registration must be completed and fees paid prior to fishing in this derby.
3. Eligible Fish Species: Tagged Rainbow Trout
4. Registration and Entry Fees: All registrations are to be completed and signed by participants. Adult Entry fee is $30. Child registration fee is $30.
5. Fishing Locations and Techniques: Eligible fish must be caught in the nine mile area between the corner of Rt. 98 and East Arcade Road (Old Cattaraugus Road) in Arcade, and 200 yards south of the bridge on Savage Road in Chaffee. The starting and ending points will be marked by signs. All fish must be caught using a fishing rod and reel. Live bait or artificial bait is eligible. Only tagged fish will be eligible and all fish must be turned in alive.
6. Safety, Sportsmanship, Courtesy and Conservation - are expected from each entrant and participant at all times. Any infractions of these fundamental sporting principals may be deemed cause for disqualifications. All local, state and federal laws apply.

Tri-County Trout Derby FAQs

Q:  What is a Trout Derby?

A:  The Tri-County Trout Derby is a two-day event where entrants have an opportunity to catch tagged rainbow trout that are released into the Cattaraugus Creek for cash prizes.

Q:  When can I fish in the Derby?

A: Saturday - April 13th, 6:30am - 7:00pm, and Sunday - April 14th, 6:30am - final check in 4pm. You are welcome to fish all or part of the Derby. *Important Note: Anyone caught fishing the creek outside of these hours will be removed from the Derby*

Q:  Who can fish in the tournament?

A:  EVERYONE! In fact, this is a family friendly event where we encourage all ages to participate. The first 20 children 12 and under that register will receive a free gift at the tournament. All registrants aged 16 and older must have a valid NY fishing license.

Q:  How much does it cost and how do I register?

A:  Cost: Adults: $30 Children 12 and under: $30

Register Online: www.arcadeareachamber.org, or fill out and send in a completed application to the Arcade Area Chamber of Commerce: 228 Main St. Arcade, NY. (Registration forms are available at the following locations: Pioneer Motorsport, Machias Outdoors, Arcade Area Chamber of Commerce)

Q:  Do I have to pre-register to participate in the derby?

A:  No! You can register the day of the event at the Official Derby Headquarters at the Arcade VFW.

Q:  Once registered, when do I get my registration packet?

A:  Pre-Registered package pickup at Pioneer Motorsports Friday, April 12th, 2:00pm-7:00pm.

Registration in person - Friday, April 12th at Machias Outdoors 2:00pm-7:00pm - Holland location, or Saturday morning, April 13th starting at 6:00am, Derby Headquarters.

Registration Packet includes: Official Fisherman Button, Derby Map, FAQs, Rules, anything you registered early for (Community Fish, 50/50 tickets, etc.) (If you can’t arrange to pick up on this day, registration packets will be available at the Derby Headquarters which open at 6:00am)

Q:  What are the boundaries of the Derby?

A:  Our Derby covers a 9-mile stretch of the Cattaraugus Creek. It begins at the public access point to the Creek right on the corner of Route 98 and East Arcade Rd. (Old Cattaraugus Road), and goes 200 yards past the Bridge on Savage Road in Chaffee. Boundaries are clearly marked during the Derby.

Q:  Where are the fish released?

A:  The fish are released at 14-20 different locations on the Cattaraugus Creek within the boundaries of the Derby. No tagged fish will be stocked outside of these boundaries, and absolutely no tagged fish will be stocked into any feeder streams (tributaries) of the Cattaraugus Creek.

Q:  How many tagged fish are there and how much are they worth?

A:  We release 400 tagged fish, and the prizes vary based on the ID number on the tag. The amounts range from $25-$1,000.

Q:  What is the “Community Fish”?

A:  The “Community Fish” is like a 50/50 fish, with the potential for a 100% payout to contestants. Every dollar collected from the tickets sold will be put into a “pot”. Whatever the total is, the person that catches the fish with the proper ID number on it gets ½ of that total pot. At the end of the Derby we will draw one ticket from all the tickets purchased, and another person will win the other half of the total amount. Starting in 2018, if the Community Fish is not caught, the money will go into a progressive jackpot until the fish is caught.

Q: What do I do if I catch a tagged fish?

A:  You bring the ALIVE fish to a check point, where Derby officials will validate the fish and present you with a coupon to redeem at the Derby Headquarters with the fish’s tag to receive your cash. There will also be Derby officials walking the Creek that can validate the fish as well.

Q: Where is the Derby Headquarters?

A: Located at: Arcade VFW Pavilion - 550 W Main St, Arcade, NY (Opening at: 6:00am both days of Derby) Headquarters offers: Derby information, registration packets not picked up early, 1 of 2 official check points, prize money for fish, bait, 50/50 tickets, Community Fish tickets, apparel, raffles, and more!

Q: Where are the official check points?

A: Derby Headquarters and the access point at Route 16 bridge.

Q: Do tagged fish have to be alive to receive a cash prize?

A:  YES!  If the fish is dead before presented to Derby officials, you will not be paid out for the fish.

Q:  Is there a limit on the number of tagged fish I can catch?

A:  NO, As long as you follow DEC regulations and do not keep more fish than is allowed in your daily creel limit, you are not limited in the number of tagged fish you can catch on either day. We encourage you to release everything you catch or be selective with your harvest to avoid getting to your creel limit. The check points are open all day, so validate your fish often.

Q:  Will there be other prizes given out besides cash for the tagged fish?

A:  No, all the tagged fish will have a designated cash prize associated with it. However we will have raffles, 50/50 and more at the Derby Headquarters at the Arcade VFW Pavilion.

Q:  Do I have to be present at the time of any raffle to win?

A:  No, we do not require that you are present for the drawing(s) of any raffle we have.