The 2013
Almost-Annual
New York State
Crappie Derby
scheduled for
 Saturday, February 9, 2013 
Updated 2/4/2013 10:15 AM
The 2013 running of the Almost-Annual
NYS Crappie Derby
has been Cancelled.

See Current Conditions Page
Updated 3/27/13

You may find the History Page interesting.
It has been updated to show the reasoning in the 2012 Derby Cancellation.

 Updates will be posted on this site as we advance toward the derby date. As good things (hopefully no bad things) happen they will be posted here. News Releases will be sent to Northeaster media contacts as significant events are firmed. If you have a favorite Newsmedia you would like to have included please send an Email address to me at NYSCRAPPIEDERBY@AOL.COM and I will include them in future releases.
 

Prostaff
REgardless of the derby date, don't look like this will be happening. No Prostaff in 2013 unless something happens very quickly.

Current News
11/8/2012
new information has been released by the NYSDEC regarding bringing deer or deer parts from PA to NYS.
See http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/86242.html

See the Navigation Bar at the top of each page for a link to the latest News Releases regarding your Derby

Please view our SPONSORS Page
We will leave the 2011 Sponsors on until late 2012. 

Registration Info - Click here

Derby Rules - Click here

Prize Categories - Click here

Schedule - Click here

See Current Conditions Page
As cold weather hits and ice starts to form, this page will keep you up to date on the ice conditions at Whitney Point Lake.

Pro-Staff (see above)
For two years now we have had Pro-Staff from various Outdoors Distributors. These Pro-Staff reps provided continuous seminars, instructions and general assistance to all in attendance. This was a huge benefit to single Mom's and others charged with the care of youngsters who have a desire to "fish the derby". Our goal and desire is to have people come to the derby empty handed, be directed to Pro-Staff, be provided with equipment & bait, have holes provided and have the opportunity to fish for the day (and go home with the equipment). You can't go wrong there. I'm not saying this will work for everyone -- but we'll try. We're not quite there yet but we're getting closer to this each year.
This dream, unfortunately, has died in 2013. Possibly because of our history of postponements and cancellations, scheduling events such as this has become impossible for us. The manufacturers/distributors have become more difficult to contact for this activity. We believe that many of the Prostaff we have worked with in the past would still be interested but . . .

 

Prize Categories
28 - Biggest White Crappie (Length) per "Special" (each 15 min period between 8AM-3PM)
 +7 - Misc 1st Crappie and National Anthem
3   - Biggest White Crappie of the day - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place
6   - Biggest of numerous fish species (Over the entire event - Cuts off at 2 PM)
8 - (or more) Door Prizes - Any Registered Participant is eligible - No need to catch a fish
Many -       Kids prizes throughout the day
                    - Including a $460 Lifetime NYS Fishing License (Courtesy of Pheasants Forever
The derby has been known as the "party derby" for many years due to its' unique format. The Crappie Derby awards prizes every 15 minutes for the largest (longest) White Crappie caught during each 15 minute period during the derby hours. This format has caught on and is now used by a number of other derbys. The format makes for a carnival environment all day. The judging booth is located in the middle of the ice with a powerful PA system which is constantly announcing the status of the current leaders of each "derby". Along with the judges booth is a concession stand providing a steady stream of chili, chowder, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc, all day.  Rent-a-Johns positioned over the ice help to make this a comfortable place to be during the long winters day. In addition to the anglers, many visitors show up to observe the goings-on of the day. The event has drawn as many as 8,000 people to the ice of Whitney Point Lake. Other organizations such as the Ross Park Zoo, Finch Hollow Nature Center, National Weather Service, to name a few, provide other interesting items to visit.
 
Some Links of Interest
 

2011
Lifetime NYS Fishing License
To qualify for this award the person must be:

1. Registered for the NYS Crappie Derby plus complete an application for this prize.
2. Be a NYS Resident
3. Winner may be required to provide a Certified Copy of their Birth Certificate
4. Must be accompanied by a parent with a NYS Drivers License (or equivalent - Picture ID)
5. Register for this prize between 8AM and Noon Derby Day
6. Be between the ages of 10 and 16 inclusive