Rotary International Fishing Classic

40th Annual Rotary International Fishing Classic on Lake Champlain

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT OFFERED TO FIRST 40 ADULTS, 40 YOUTH ANGLERS TO REGISTER

PLATTSBURGH, NY __ The Rotary Club of Plattsburgh will hosts the 40th annual Rotary International Fishing Classic on beautiful Lake Champlain Friday - Sunday, June 5 - 7, 2026. This is the oldest fishing event on the lake, the earliest each year and features all cash individual and team prizes. 

The annual Rotary Fishing Classic is a fundraising event for the Rotary club and attracts anglers from all over the Northeastern United States and Canada to the shores of Lake Champlain for three days of nonstop competition fishing for the largest fish among salmon, steelhead, brown trout, lake trout, and walleye!

Cash prize amounts are determined by the pool of registration fees – 50 percent goes to the 1st through 5th place winners and the remaining funds raised support charitable community efforts of the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh.

The individual adult registration fee is $50.00, with prizes for fish in three categories: lake trout, walleye and landlocked salmon (including brown trout and steelhead). Adults and youth all compete in the open division. Prizes are based on weight as well as time weighed in.

The team competition is $50.00 for a team of two-to-four anglers. All team members still pay their individual registration fee. Each team will enter fish from two different categories to be eligible to win.

 

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT MARKS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

In celebration of the 40th annual Fishing Classic, the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh will offer an "Early Bird Discount." The first 40 adult anglers to register will receive a $10.00 discount on their registrations. As well, the first 40 youth anglers to register will each receive a $5.00 discount on their registrations. 

 

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• The On-Line Registration Process opens Wednesday, April 15, 2026, for all individual and team competitions. You can register here or by phone at (Toll-free number to be announced). 
  
• Participants in a Boat. All participants in a boat must be registered in the Fishing Classic.  An unregistered individual within a boat will cause all other registered anglers to forfeit their eligibility for prizes. 
• “Registered Witness” category. All fish caught during the event must be witnessed by another person registered for the event (who understands and agrees to event rules). The "Registered Witness" category will be available again for this year's classic. An adult member of a registered angler’s household with the same residential address may register for $25.00 and serve as a "witness-only."
• Weigh Station closing times. Weigh stations hours will be open until 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 on Sunday.
• Online Updates. We will continue to release standings to anglers via marine radio, our toll-free number (Toll-free number to be announced) and FACEBOOK. 
• Receive Standings -- Anglers will be able to "opt-in" to receive standings via text messages when registering online or via phone. Make sure the number you provide is a cellphone, not a landline. 
  
• Merchandise. T-shirts will once again be available: $15.00 per shirt (with a new logo and color) and caps will again be available for $15.00! Shirts and caps ordered by May 23rd will be mailed directly to registrants.
• 50/50 Raffle. We will sell 50/50 tickets for $5.00 at weigh stations all weekend, giving registered anglers and witnesses another chance to win.
• Announcement of awards. The awards ceremony will be held at the Naked Turtle Sunday at 3:30 p.m. (Winners are not required to appear in person to collect their prizes.) Winners will be broadcast on Facebook live, a final FISHLINE recording, a marine radio announcement and press release.  Checks will be mailed to winners who are not present.

Half of the annual tournament net revenue and 25 percent of the team category revenue are returned to the community through academic scholarships for SUNY Plattsburgh, Clinton Community College, and CVPH Medical Center Radiology School; funds to local schools for academic student events, and to assist many worthy causes, such as the Beartown Ski Area, Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, Plattsburgh Little League, YMCA, and others. 

So, complete your registration before 6 p.m., on Thursday, June 4, 2026. OR you'll have to wait 'til the following year to participate. 

For more information, contact Tournament Chair Robert Swem at 315-286-3148 or by email at rotaryfishclassic@gmail.com.

The official weigh-in stations for the "40th Classic” will be:

 Apple Island Marina - South Hero, VT  

 

 

 

 

 

       (Website)       (Google Map)

 

  Bridgeview Harbour Marina - Port Henry, NY  

 

       (Website)        (Google Map)

 

  Essex Marina -- Essex, NY  

 

       (Website)      (Google Map)

 

Ferry Dock Marina (Gas Dock) - Downtown Burlington, VT  

       (Website)        (Google Map)

 

Indian Bay Marina - Willsboro Bay, NY  

       (Website)        (Google Map)

 

Plattsburgh City Marina - Dock St., Plattsburgh, NY 

       (Website)        (Google Map)

What is a Witness-Only Participant? 

All fish caught during the fishing classic must be witnessed by another person registered for the event (who understands and agrees to event rules). Last year, several anglers did not participate because they, understandably, did not want to spend three days fishing with someone from another household. An adult member of a registered angler’s household with the same residential address may register for $25.00 and serve as a "witness-only" participant.

1.     REGISTRATION

A. The registration fee for the 40th Annual Rotary International Fishing Classic (“Classic”) shall be:

• $40.00 (U.S.) for the first forty (40) persons to register. The fee then increases to $50.00 (U.S.) beginning with the forty-first (41) person.
• The registration fee for youth up to and including15 years of age (as of June 5, 2025) shall be $20.00 (U.S.) for the first forty (40) youth to register. The fee then increases to $25.00 (U.S.) beginning with the forty-first (41) youth.  
• “Registered witness” category: An adult member of their household with the same residential address may register for $25.00 and serve as a witness-only.

B. Each contestant must purchase a registration and be licensed by the state where fishing* prior to the "40th Classic”, no later than 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

C. Participating anglers under 18 years of age may enter the "40th Classic” provided they are accompanied by a parent or adult (18 years of age or older) who is also registered in the “Classic” and with whom the participating angler must fish during this event.

D. Registration for the “Classic” must be completed by 6:00 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2026, online at http://bit.ly/Plattsburghrotaryfishingclassic or via our FISHLINE (1-844-588-7788). Acceptable credit cards are American Express, Master Card, Visa and Discover.

E. Registrations are not transferable and must be carried by each registrant at all times during the three-day event and produced upon demand by any “Classic” official.

F. If a registrant’s form is lost or misplaced, the registrant must appear in person at any weigh-in station showing positive I.D. to verify they are registered (see Rule 2b).

G. Registration forms must be presented every time one or more fish are presented for weigh-in by the registrant.

H. The “40th Classic” Steering Committee, members of the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh, officials and volunteers involved in the daily operation of the “Classic” are not eligible to participate.

I. The mailing address for the Rotary International Fishing Classic is P.O. Box 86, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

J. See separate rules and regulations for Team category.

• NOTE: You will need a Vermont license to fish in Malletts Bay, Mississquoi Bay or any boundary in this tournament which is classified “inland sea.”

 

2.     FISHING BOUNDARIES AND WEIGH-IN STATIONS

A. The boundaries for competing in the “Classic” will be Lake Champlain and its tributaries upstream to the first impassible barrier.

B. The official weigh-in stations for the "40th Classic” will be:

 

      New York State (Click on the name to see the location on a Google map):

• Plattsburgh City Marina - Plattsburgh, NY
• Indian Bay Marina - Willsboro Bay, NY
• Essex Marina -- Essex, NY
• Bridgeview Harbour Marina - Port Henry, NY

      Vermont (Click on the name to see the location on a Google map):

• Ferry Dock Marina (Gas Dock) - Downtown Burlington, VT
• Apple Island Marina - South Hero, VT

C. All fish caught and presented in this “Classic” must have been caught within the boundaries described in Rule 2a and presented and recorded at one of the official weigh-in stations in accordance with Rules 3c and 5c.

 

3.     AFFIRMATION OF CATCHES

A. In order to maintain the integrity of the “Classic,” there must be an affirming witness (to verify the catch for each fish caught and presented) who is also registered in the “Classic.” All persons aboard any vessel/boat must be registered and possess registration tickets.

B. Shore and pier registrants must also have a registered, affirming witness to each fish caught and presented.

C. All registrants and affirming witnesses must review the weigh-in form completed by the Rotary volunteer at one of the pre-designated weigh-in stations for each fish presented. Any questions or concerns about weight must be raised during the weigh-in.

D. Any registrants and affirming witnesses who present a prize-winning fish may be required to submit to a polygraph (lie detector) examination to further verify the authenticity of the catch.

 

4.     DATES AND TIMES

A. The official “Classic” dates and hours shall be from 12:01 a.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, until 12:00 p.m., Sunday, June 7, 2026. Only fish caught and presented during these hours may be eligible for prizes.

B. Weigh-in station hours shall be 8:00 a. m. - 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday.

C. Prize winners will be announced and prizes awarded on Sunday afternoon, June 7, 2026, at the awards ceremony, on Facebook, marine radio, the FISHLINE, and in a final press release.

 

5.     FISH CAUGHT AND PRESENTED

A. All fish presented in the “Classic” must be caught with hook and line and retrieved with rod and reel within the boundaries and presented at the weigh-in stations established by the Steering Committee (see Rules 2a and 2b).

B. Fish must be caught during the official dates and hours established in Rule 4a above.

C. All fish must be presented to a weigh-in station no later than 12:00 p.m., Sunday, June 7, 2026 (see Rule 2b). We encourage “CATCH and RELEASE” of all fish.

D. Registrants may present more than one fish; each registrant will be limited, however, to receiving a single prize for the largest fish presented in each category (lake trout, salmon and/or walleye).

E. All fish presented must be whole, fresh and never have been frozen. No gaffed, snagged, or foul hooked (anywhere on the body other than inside the mouth) fish will be accepted for entry.

F. Any registrant wishing to contest or challenge any posted “Classic” prize winner must do so in writing and present a valid weigh in form and registration ticket to the judges of the “Classic” by 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

 

6.     SAFETY

A. All vessels/boats used during the “Classic” must be seaworthy and each boat and occupant must comply with all applicable U.S. Coast Guard and State laws and regulations.

 

7.     SPECIES, LAWS AND SIZE

A. The five (5) fish species eligible for the "40th Classic” competition shall be Lake Trout, Walleye Pike, Atlantic Landlocked Salmon and Steelhead and brown trout. (Steelhead and brown trout will be considered part of the Salmon category for competition purposes.)

B. Because of the “Classic” Committee’s concern for the conservation of these species, the minimum length of Lake Trout, Atlantic Landlocked Salmon, Steelhead and brown trout shall be 16 inches and for Walleye Pike, 20 inches. No fish under these minimums will be accepted in the "Classic."

 

8.     PRIZES

A. The "40th Classic” will award cash prizes for the five largest (by weight) Lake Trout, Atlantic Landlocked Salmon (including steelhead and brown trout), and Walleye caught and offered in accordance with “Classic” rules and regulations.

B. Half of each registration fee (including “registered witnesses”) up to a maximum of $35,000.00 will be entered into the win pool and be divided equally in cash prizes among the Lake Trout category, Salmon category, and Walleye category. Example: 500 adult registrants x $25.00 = $12,500.00.

C. The percentage indicated above for cash awards will remain constant. The only variable is the number of registrants. Therefore, if there are 600 registrants instead of the 500 used in the example above, the cash awards would total $15,000.00.

D. In the event of a tie in any of the prize categories, the first fish weighed in will be declared the winner. Other tie-breaking methods will be established by the judges, if necessary.

 

9.     CLASSIC HEADQUARTERS AND ACTIVITIES

A. Headquarters for the "40th Classic” shall be located at the Plattsburgh City Docks next to the Plattsburgh Boat Basin during the tournament.

B. A daily record of the largest fish caught will be posted at weigh-in stations, announced on Marine Channel 68 hourly, posted on our Facebook page, recorded on our FISHLINE at 1-844-588-7788 and texted to anglers who accept this option during on-line registration. 

 

10.     WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND OTHER AGREEMENTS

All individuals must read the Waiver before initializing it and continuing the registration.

A. I know that participating in the 40th Annual Rotary Fishing Classic, hosted by the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh, is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and participate unless I (and/or my minor child) am medically able to do so. I assume all risks associated with participating in this event including, but not limited to: falls, contact with other participants, the effects of weather, traffic, and lake conditions. I acknowledge all such risks are known and understood by me. I agree to abide by all decisions of any event official relative to my ability to safely participate in this fishing tournament. I certify as a material condition to my being permitted to enter this race event that I am physically capable of participating in this event and that a licensed medical doctor has verified my physical condition.

B. In the event of an illness, injury or medical emergency arising during the event I hereby authorize and give my consent to the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh, Inc., and its agents and volunteers assisting with the event to secure from any accredited hospital, clinic and/ or physician any treatment deemed necessary for my immediate care. I agree that I will be fully responsible for payment of any and all medical services and treatment rendered to me including, but not limited to medical transport, medications, treatment and hospitalization

C. COVID-19:  I understand that COVID-19 has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization and that COVID-19 infections and deaths have been confirmed throughout the United States, including the states of New York and Vermont. I understand the known and potential risks of COVID-19, including quarantine, serious illness, disability, and death. I also understand, acknowledge and agree that (a) these risks cannot be fully eliminated and are increased by proximity to other people, (b) there is an inherent and elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place or place where people are present, and (c) there is no guarantee, express or implied, that I (and/or my minor child) will not be exposed to COVID-19. Despite these risks, I voluntarily agree to participate in the International Rotary Fishing Classic, hosted by the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh.

D. I grant permission to the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh, Inc., RunSignup.com, and all of their agents to use my name, voice and images of myself in any photographs, motion pictures, results, publications or any other print, videographic or electronic recording of this event for legitimate purposes.

E. The Rotary Club of Plattsburgh, Inc., reserves the right to postpone or cancel the event due to circumstances beyond its control such as a natural disaster or emergency or as required to protect the safety of participants and staff. No refunds will be issued under these circumstances. The Rotary Club of Plattsburgh, Inc. reserves the right to change the details of the event without prior notice

F. In consideration of accepting this entry, I (and/or my minor child), the participant, intending to be legally bound do hereby release, waive, discharge and forever release the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh, Inc., RunSignup.com, and all of their agents, including, but not limited to weigh station owners/operators, sponsors and their representatives, volunteers and employees assisting with the event (collectively, the “Releasees”) for any known or unknown claims, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, actions, injury or death relating to any injuries illnesses, (including, but limited to COVID-19), or death that I (and/or my minor child) may sustain as a result of participating in this event, regardless of whether caused by the negligence or other fault of Releasees or any third party (collectively, “Claims”). ”  I also agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Releasees from all Claims.

G. This Waiver is the entire agreement between the parties, shall be legally binding to the fullest extent permitted by law, and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the state of New York. Any dispute relating to the 40th Annual Rotary Fishing Classic or this Waiver shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state or federal courts in the State of New York. If any part of this waiver is deemed to be unenforceable, the balance shall continue in full legal force and effect.

H. By initializing this Waiver and submitting this entry, I acknowledge and represent that I have read and understood the terms of the Waiver and sign it voluntarily, I am at least eighteen (18) years old and fully competent, and I intend that I (and/or my minor child, personal representatives, heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, or assignees) will be bound by its terms.