Fisherman have a chance to win over $100,000 in Cash and Prizes
HAMBURG, N.Y., – January 12, 2026 – Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York Inc. (STWA) (www.southtownswalleye.com) announces its 42nd Annual Walleye Derby from June 13th through June 21st 2026, on the U.S. waters of Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River. With more than $100,000 in cash and prizes at stake, anglers throughout Western New York, and multiple states will participate in the nine day event in search of a walleye worthy of the top prize. Current sign-ups are being accepted at the STWA Clubhouse or online, and shortly at various sign-up locations around Western New York,
“This year at our 42nd Annual Walleye Derby we have some great sponsors supporting our event such as WavePro, Curly’s Grille, Catt Creek Bait & Tackle, Traxstech, and FishUSA having these outstanding companies on board each year gives our participants the opportunity to win some amazing prizes no matter where you finish in the derby”, said Jim Skoczylas, First Vice President STWA and Derby Chair.
To bring even more value to our sponsors and contestants we have put together early bird prize pack drawings, each month prizes will be awarded at the club to several lucky people who get signed up for the Derby early. Whether you sign-up online or in-person at the clubhouse you can qualify for these prizes. Additionally, we have the $1,000 Derby Daily Walleye prize, giving contestants a chance to cash in on each of the nine days of the derby, this allows everyone a chance to win a monetary prize.
“Every year we have incredible local sponsor’s such as Kishels, Olson Bros. Marine Inc., Machias Outdoors, Ultimate Outdoors of WNY, and Buffalo Tackle we truly appreciate these local companies and their continued support of our organization, the derby, our participants and this great fishery we have in Lake Erie”, said Brian Plecas Second Vice President STWA and Derby Co-Chair.
If you are interested in signing up in person and purchasing one of this year’s STWA Derby lures produced by Mike’s Walleye Rigs, you can stop by the club during general meetings to purchase one, we will also be having special sign-up events that will be announced on our Facebook page. Don’t miss out on the action this year to weigh in a winning walleye.
Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving fishing opportunities in the region for all individuals. With a clear focus on kids, community, conservation and philanthropy, our various programs support these pillars for a strong future generation of outdoorsmen and women and our fishery. To learn more about the club, please visit us at www.southtownswalleye.com or stop by our facility located at 5895 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg, NY 14075, Tel.: 716.649.8202, meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 7:00pm and are open to the public.
For Media Inquiries Contact:
Brian Plecas
Tel.: 716.649.8202