Naples Creek Rainbow Trout Derby

Naples Creek flows through the Village of Naples before continuing north and emptying into the southern shores of Canandaigua Lake. Its fresh rippling waters attract a variety of wildlife, but perhaps it is most well-known for its rainbow trout. So popular, in fact, that Naples Rotary organizes the Naples Creek Rainbow Trout Derby each year.

Why Rainbow Trout?

Early each spring as the warming sunshine begins to melt the glacial waterways of the Finger Lakes, rainbow trout start to make their journey up Naples Creek from tributaries such as Grimes Creek, Eelpot Creek, and Tannery Creek. These rainbow trout then travel up Naples Creek to lay their eggs before returning home. During this annual run, visitors watch as rainbow trout, several in excess of 8-10 pounds, leap in and out of the water, their opalescent silver scales glinting in the sun.

How did Naples’ derby tradition start?

Naples Rotary Club launched its first Naples Creek Rainbow Derby in 1961. The event quickly became a favorite area attraction, drawing hundreds of men, women, and children to Naples Creek from across New York and beyond, including a large following from the Buffalo area. “It has become a generational tradition,” said Mike Joseph of Naples Valley Visitor’s Association. “Any sportsman or sportswoman who has been coming to the derby tries to bring their son and daughter, too.”

Although the number of attendees has decreased significantly in recent years, an average of 400-500 participants or more still gather for the derby every April 1st. Additional rules have been added, including reducing the limit of entries to one fish. A variety of contest categories include longest fish for male, female, boy, and girl anglers respectively as well as senior anglers, not to mention specialty categories for local and youth participants. A leaderboard with all the categories is updated throughout the competition, adding to the excitement.

I want in! How do I join?

Derby participants simply pay a fee and go out to the creek to catch their fish. All proceeds support the Naples Rotary Club’s community service projects. Derby officials sit outside and monitor the activities, measuring fish, and updating the leaderboard. “We encourage people, including children, to continue the tradition of fishing,” explained Mike Joseph. “At the end of the day, trophies and prizes are awarded to those in the top positions of each category.” All Contestants are Responsible for Knowing and Adhering to NYS Fishing Regulations which can be found at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html

How about post-COVID-19?

While the Naples Rotary Club is working hard to keep the town’s fishing tradition alive, this year’s 60th Annual Naples Creek Rainbow Trout Derby looked just a little bit differeznt. Rather than all participants gathering on April 1st, the derby event was extended from April 1st - April 4th. Participating anglers photographed and measured all fish caught and recorded them with an app called FishDonkey. Awards were presented based on length as determined through the mobile app and verified by tournament judges. Anglers who used the app were also treated to a bottle of Healthy Purple Grape Juice from Arbor Hill Grapery. Finally, all anglers were entered into a drawing to win merchandise prizes donated by Naples area merchants.

I missed the Derby; can I still fish Naples Creek?

Absolutely! Anglers with a license are welcome to continue fishing in Naples Creek throughout the year. With gorgeously renovated historic hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts, this corner of the Finger Lakes boasts accommodations for over 400 visitors within 15 miles of Naples. Coupled with area wineries and craft beverage makers, fresh farm-to-table eateries, artisanal shops, and much more, any time is a great time for a long fishing weekend.