Adventure Brief
An official Trout Derby snapback—breathable mesh, leather patch, and local pride. Available for pickup at Stivers Seneca Marine in Waterloo, NY; limited stock through April 1st.
15–30 minutes
easy
From $21.20
Family Friendly
An official Trout Derby snapback—breathable mesh, leather patch, and local pride. Available for pickup at Stivers Seneca Marine in Waterloo, NY; limited stock through April 1st.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
15–30 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required—this is a retail pickup and casual wear item.
Wildlife
History
Seneca Lake is one of the Finger Lakes, a chain of deep, glacially-sculpted lakes that have supported regional fishing traditions for generations.
Conservation
Pack out what you pack in; local anglers and marinas support catch limits and best practices to protect trout populations and water quality.
Seneca Lake Trout Derby
Seneca Lake Trout Derby is an annual fishing competition held on Seneca Lake in Waterloo, New York. The organization runs an open-entry trout derby that invites anglers to register and compete for cash prizes awarded across divisions. The derby accepts entries for lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, and prizes include awards up to $7,500. Registration details and official rules are published for each event year; the 2026 Derby is open for registration.
The Derby also offers limited official merchandise. A Trout Derby Hat — a snapback with breathable mesh and a leather patch — is available at Stivers Seneca Marine while supplies last and must be purchased before April 1st. Merchandise sales support derby operations and prize funds.
Seneca Lake Trout Derby coordinates event logistics, prize distribution, and public communications for the derby. Organizers provide clear categories and division rules to ensure fair play for anglers of different skill levels. Local boaters, anglers, and fishing retailers collaborate to host weigh-ins, merchandise distribution, and public announcements.
The derby emphasizes transparent scoring and publicly announced winners. Results, prize awards, and official notices are published after the event. Anglers interested in competing are directed to register for Derby Registration to enter the contest and to check local partners for hat availability. The event attracts anglers familiar with Seneca Lake’s trout fisheries as well as visitors seeking a competitive lake trout tournament experience. Event schedules, registration links, and official merchandise updates are announced through local partners and derby communication channels ahead of each season.
Location
Waterloo, NY
Held on Seneca Lake
Top Prize
$7,500
Cash awards up to $7,500
Registration
Open for 2026
Enter via Derby Registration listing
Merch & Hats
Available at Stivers
Limited stock; buy before April 1st
Secure a spot through Derby Registration and check local partners for hat availability before April 1st.
Pick up early
Limited stock—stop by Stivers Seneca Marine well before April 1st to secure your hat.
Wear it on the water
The stiff brim and breathable mesh make it ideal for dawn casts and boat rides.
Protect the leather patch
Avoid prolonged soaking to keep the leather patch looking its best.
Call ahead if traveling
If you’re coming from out of town, call Stivers Seneca Marine to confirm pickup hours and availability.
Trout Derby Hat
The official snapback with mesh back and leather patch—the item being purchased.
Polarized sunglasses
Helps reduce glare while fishing on Seneca Lake and pairs well with the hat.
summer
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Protects exposed skin during long dawn-to-midday fishing sessions.
summer
Light gear bag
Keeps the hat and other small items dry and organized while traveling to the marina.