Contrary to several recent news reports, the Oak Orchard State Marine Park is NOT closing. On April 28th, 2010, the Orleans County Legislature signed a permit from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation allowing the county to operate the Oak Orchard State Boat Launch on the west side of Oak Orchard River.  The launch and parking lot will be open in time for the LOC Spring Fishing Derby under county operation.  The county will be responsible for maintaining the grounds and restrooms. 

At this time, there will be no charge for launching/parking.  However, shortly, they will be installing an autocashier machine accepting credit cards (no cash).  There will be no lift gate.  Launching/parking fee will likely be $6.00.  This will be on the honor system, enforced by our County Sheriff Department and Marine Patrol, and backed up with a fine for non-payment.  The parking area closes at 11pm each night so there is no overnight parking.

The entry deadline for the Pro and Am Divisions in the Orleans County ProAm is Sunday May 30^th. Entry in these divisions is online only through this website. Open Division entries will be accepted up until Thursday June 10^th but must in CASH ONLY at Narby’s, Captain’s Cove, 4 C’s and Lake Breeze Marina.

There will be a Mandatory Captains and Observers meeting on Friday June 11^th under the bridge at the Orleans County Marine Park. Sign in will start at 5 PM and the meeting will start promptly at 6. Only Captains and Observers need attend. Open Division competitors are exempt from this meeting.

Friday June 11^th will also see the First Annual Condor Memorial Tournament. This is a 3 fish tournament that anyone can enter. You do not need to be entered into the ProAm to fish this event. Entries will be CASH ONLY and will be accepted up until Friday June 11^th at 7 AM at Narby’s, Captain’s Cove, 4 C’s and Lake Breeze Marina. This is a 100% Cash Payback event with 25% of the field getting paid. Please bring ONLY your best 3 fish to the weigh in under the bridge. You must be in line to weigh by 3 PM.

The Open Division is open to anyone and you may fish from ANY port on Saturday and Sunday June 12^th and 13^th. No observers are required but you must in line to weigh by 12 PM. See Official Rules for more details.

The Weigh In Ceremonies for all ProAm events will be held under the bridge at the Orleans County Marine Park. This year the Weigh In Ceremonies will be sponsored in part by OONA. A free concert by a very talented local band will begin immediately upon the conclusion of Saturday’s weigh in. Food will be available for purchase in the Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will be provided by the Lighthouse Restaurant. Beverages will be provided by the Black North Inn.

The Orleans County ProAm is shaping up to be the best ever with something for everyone. Bring the entire family and enjoy the weekend and see what Orleans County has to offer. See you there!