Broome County Parks & Recreation was notified this morning (2/18) that the Almost Annual Crappie Derby is canceled. It was scheduled for tomorrow (2/19) at Dorchester Park in Whitney Point.

With the significant rainfall and snow melt we received, the Army Corp. of Engineers will be closing the gates to the lake later this afternoon causing a significant rise in reservoir elevations.

This comes just weeks after event officials said they were confident the event would take place.

Below is the original version of this article published on February 8:


 

This is an event that I've been wanting to take my daughter, Tara, to for the last several years and it looks like it could finally happen this year. It's the Almost Annual NYS Crappie Derby in Whitney Point on Saturday, February 19th.

Get our free mobile app

I don't think that anyone would have guessed that this was possible about a month ago but it looks like it's going to happen this year. The derby had been canceled four out of the last five years but with the extremely cold temperatures, the lake is looking great.

It looks like we won't have to say "Oh Crap" this year because the Whitney Point Sportsmen Association says that as of February 2nd, they have measured 11" of ice on the lake.

Almost Annual Crappie Derby At Whitney Point Lake

The derby is a family fun event with many prizes given away throughout the event. There are many different prize categories including Biggest White Crappie (length) every 30 minutes between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. You don't need to catch a fish to be eligible to win door prizes throughout the day.

You can register on the ice on the day of the event beginning at 7 a.m. with the derby starting at 8 a.m. You can skip the lines and pre-register at Dick's Sporting Goods in Vestal and Binghamton on Wednesday the 16th and Thursday the 17th from 6 to 8 p.m.

Registration is only $2 and the memories that you'll make with your children, friends, and family will last for a lifetime. If you don't have a fishing license that is no problem because February 19th is also NYS DEC Free Fishing Day.

Waking Up To A Huge Snowstorm In The Twin Tiers

Eight Places to Launch Your Boat in Broome County

More From 98.1 The Hawk