Southtowns Walleye Association of WNY, Inc.

06/18/2026

While we dont make a go, no go call during our derby please use better judgment on fishing tonight, tomorrow, and tomorrow night. There is a Gale Warning posted for Thursday. A gale warning supersedes a Small Craft Advisory.

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
245 PM EDT Wed Jun 17 2026

Lake Erie nearshore waters from Ripley to Dunkirk-
Lake Erie nearshore waters from Dunkirk to Buffalo-
245 PM EDT Wed Jun 17 2026
..GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 6 PM EDT
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...South winds to 35 knots late tonight becoming southwest
Thursday, and waves 6 to 9 feet expected.

* WHERE...The nearshore waters of Lake Erie from Ripley to
Buffalo.

* WHEN...From 2 AM to 6 PM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could
capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

No Changes Today

Adult Division Top 3
1st 9.29
2nd 8.96
3rd 8.94

Youth Division Top 3
1st 6.88
2nd 6.87
3rd 6.31

Total number of fish weighed in today-
Adult Division
36
Youth Division
1
Total
37

Running Weekly Totals
Adult
165
Youth
10
Total
175

Good luck to all on day 6!

Tonight

Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming S 15 to 20 kt in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 36 kt. Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11pm. Waves 1 ft building to 3 ft.

Thursday

WSW wind 22 to 25 kt increasing to 28 to 31 kt in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 42 kt. Showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Waves 6 ft building to 9 ft.

Thursday Night

W wind 16 to 19 kt decreasing to 13 to 16 kt after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 28 kt. A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Waves 6 ft subsiding to 3 ft.

06/17/2026

On behalf of everyone involved with the Southtowns Walleye Derby, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our participants, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who helped make the 2026 derby another great success!

We were pleased to welcome 436 entrants this year. Considering the continued high gas prices and the challenges that come with traveling to fishing events, we are especially grateful for the outstanding turnout. In fact, we were only 7 entrants shy of our 2025 total, which speaks volumes about the dedication and enthusiasm of our fishing community.

Thank you for your continued support of the Southtowns Walleye Derby. We hope everyone is enjoying their time on the water, is making lasting memories, and we look forward to seeing you all at the awards ceremony!

Tight lines, and thank you for being part of the tradition.

Adult Division Top 3
1st 9.29
2nd 8.96
3rd 8.94

Youth Division Top 3
1st 6.88
2nd 6.87
3rd 6.31

Total number of fish weighed in today-
Adult Division
33
Youth Division
1
Total
34

Running Weekly Totals
Adult
129
Youth
9
Total
138

Good luck to all on day 5!

We are including Thursday in to this update, dur to potentially dangerous winds, and storms.
Marine Forecast

Tonight

SSE wind 8 to 10 kt becoming S after midnight. Showers and thunderstorms likely before 4am, then a slight chance of showers after 5am. Waves around 1 ft.

Wednesday
SSW wind 10 to 12 kt becoming WSW in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 kt. A slight chance of showers between 1pm and 3pm. Waves 1 to 2 ft.

Wednesday Night
Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming SSE 17 to 22 kt in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 32 kt. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 11pm. Waves 1 to 2 ft.

Thursday
WSW wind 20 to 23 kt increasing to 24 to 27 kt in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 42 kt. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 11am and 2pm. Waves 3 ft building to 7 ft.

Please use caution Wednesday night, and Thursday due to the weather forecasted.

06/16/2026

Riley and Ryan Sturgeon from Arizona, fishing with Grandpa Kevin Guenther. Great job kids!!!

06/16/2026

Important Announcements concerning weigh stations.
BARCELONA WEIGH STATION WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY JUNE 16, DUE TO LACK OF VOLUNTEERS.

IF SOMEONE WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER TO WORK THE STATION ON MONDAY OR TUESDAY TO KEEP IT OPEN, CONTACT WEIGH STATION CAPTAIN Bill Shaffer at (716) 904-0367, or Jim Skoczylas at (716) 796-5372
The station times are 1PM- 4PM.

Adult Division Top 3
1st 8.96
2nd 8.94
3rd 8.83

Youth Division Top 3
1st 6.88
2nd 6.87
3rd 6.31

Total number of fish weighed in today-
Adult Division
13
Youth Division
0
Total
13

Running Weekly Totals
Adult
96
Youth
6
Total
102

Good luck to all on day 4!

Marine Forecast

Tonight
SSW wind 8 to 10 kt. Partly cloudy. Waves around 1 ft.

Tuesday
SSW wind 8 to 10 kt becoming WSW in the afternoon. Mostly sunny. Waves around 1 ft.

Tuesday Night
Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming S 5 to 8 kt in the evening. A slight chance of showers before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 2am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2am. Waves 1 ft or less.

06/16/2026

Steve Ball battled the conditions overnight, and got a great one for the scales. Its been a tough first few days weather wise. Please be safe out there.

06/15/2026

We cant argue with Jim Klein, he's spot on.

So my Friends this is what Southtowns walleye derby is all about
Good luck and have fun and be safe !🎣🎣🎣🎣

06/15/2026

Jason Kenyon with a great fish caught on opening night of the Derby. Jason puts a ton of time on the water all season long, and his persistence paid off.

06/15/2026

Steve Haak with a great fish from this morning. Congratulations Steve!!

06/15/2026

Mike Russell, grabbing one for the scales yesterday.

06/15/2026

Patrick Bohen with a stud of a walleye! Awesome fish.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts that you decided to re-join their Southtowns Walleye Association Derby.