The Walleyefest and Fishing Derby With Over $20K in Cash and Prizes

April 15, 2025 – Syracuse, N.Y. – The Awakening Angler YouTube channel and Limp Lizard BBQ have once again joined forces to host the 2025 Oswego County Tourism & Bob Johnson Auto Group WalleyeFest on Oneida Lake, May 3–4.

The WalleyeFest and Derby is more than just an event — it’s a reborn tradition that brings together families, anglers and the community to celebrate the arrival of spring in Central New York.

After the Lions Club hosted its final derby in 2022, WalleyeFest debuted in 2023 to revive and expand the long-running tradition. Now in its 46th year, this opening-weekend derby has been a staple on Oneida Lake since 1979.

Festivities kick off at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 3, and continue non-stop for 36 hours, concluding at 11:59 a.m. Sunday. The two-day walleye tournament is the largest derby in New York state and is open to anglers of all skill levels, including youth, women’s and veterans divisions. It features $20,000 in guaranteed cash and prizes on the main leaderboard, plus seven optional subdivision leaderboards — five adult and two youth — each with its own payout.

The Derby Awards Ceremony will be held rain or shine under tents from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Brewerton Speedway and is open to the public. The event includes a free fish fry for derby participants, along with food and beer trucks, raffles and live entertainment starting at 11 a.m. New boats and RVs will be on site for sale, and vendors will be on hand.

New in 2025 is Sponsor Bingo, featuring 25 sponsors and more than $6,000 in giveaways.

Advanced derby tickets required and may be purchased on Derby.Fish, WalleyeFest 2025's own sportfishing app available at Walleyefest.com.

To become a WalleyeFest sponsor, please contact Matt Gutchess.