This "pure" fishing show is designed by Fishermen for Fishermen with the simple goals of promoting and teaching fishing. Now in its 8th year, it has become a "can't miss" annual event for thousands of anglers every year with the majority of them making this Show either a two or a three-day event for themselves. With over 170 booths, containing many well know names and leading companies of "Fishing" related products, this is the largest freshwater fishing show in NYS and among the largest fishing shows anywhere in the Great Lakes. From walleye and bass to salmon and trout; from perch to piers, stream casters to trolling nuts; from fly fishing to youth fishing, from marine electronics to boat rigging; from fishing boats to kayak Fishing - there is a little bit if everything for every type of angler and level of expertise.

"Teaching Fishing" is what this show was built around and what makes it unique. The Show Facility - the Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls - provides a unique blend of a spacious Exhibitor Event Center and a multitude of seminar rooms all utilizing "State of the Art" technology. The show utilizes these rooms plus the Hawg Trough to deliver up to 18 classes concurrently each targeting different topics / levels of expertise. The 2023 show offered attendees the opportunity to learn from over 200 free classes over the 3 days of the Show with the average attendee taking advantage of the opportunity to increase their fishing knowledge by attending over 7 classes during the show. The core belief of the show is that it is making a difference toward the effort to grow the sport of fishing by providing a vast amount of fishing Education. By providing this education, this show will recruit new anglers including the next generation to the sport as well as providing existing anglers the fishing knowledge to increase their enjoyment of the time they spend on the water by being more successful.

The Show is centrally located within one of the most diverse and spectacular freshwater sport fisheries on the planet. The Niagara River, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are all within casting distance for salmon, trout, bass, walleye, perch, muskellunge and so much more.

This multi-species fishing show consists of many well-known fishing manufacturers, local and regional fishing retailers, local fishing guides and outfitters, the best local fishing boat dealers, kayak fishing watercraft, marine electronics, local fishing clubs and much more. The show offers both large and small-fishing related manufacturers the unique opportunity for one-on-one time showing potential customers their products. Exhibitors have the opportunity for their expert Pro Staff to deliver fishing classes which include how anglers can use their products to help them become more successful on the water. This provides attendees the opportunity to learn from the experts and check out the actual products in order to make informed decisions on what will work best for them. With Retailers at the show selling these products, it is a great opportunity to generate significant sales and for attendees to leave the show with the items they desired. The Expo has a reputation as a "buying" show, which was evident from the 2023 survey data that showed the average attendee planned to spend over $150 on fishing gear at the event.

With an all "Fishing" audience of thousands of fishermen along with very reasonable booth, food and hotel rates, make this show a very productive and profitable show to attend. Exhibitors that bring the right products, sell them at the right prices, participate in the education and advertise their presence at the show do very well and come back year after year.


Become an Exhibitor List of Exhibitors

The quality and quantity of the classes and speakers is what differentiates this "Teaching Fishing" show from other shows. Most anglers target a variety of different species through a number of methods throughout the year. Education is something that is desired by every angler - from the most experienced to those beginners just starting out. The "passing on" of fishing knowledge is one of the ways this show gives back to the fishery. In order to maximize the effectiveness of the teaching, classes are specifically identified for a particular audience based upon the level of expertise of the attendee. These classes are taught by some of the best in the business who calls the nearby lakes, rivers and streams their home.

The 2023 show offered attendees the opportunity to attend over 200 free classes over the 3 days of the show with the average attendee taking advantage of the opportunity to increase their fishing knowledge by attending over 7 classes during the duration of the Expo. The core belief of the show is that it is making a difference toward the effort to grow the sport of fishing by providing a vast amount of fishing education to our attendees. By providing this education, this show will recruit new anglers, including the next generation, to the sport as well as providing existing anglers the fishing knowledge to increase their enjoyment of the time they spend on the water by being more successful. The education also allows anglers to diversify to include other species and tactics if they so desire.

For those experienced anglers looking for a day-long "Deep Dive" into open water Lake Ontario salmon fishing, the show hosts the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association (LOTSA) Salmon School. This annual school is only offered once a year. It is among the best Salmon Schools offered anywhere in the Great lakes as evidenced by the fact that it has sold out every year since it began in 2007. Check out the "Top Attractions" section for more details on the School.

New for 2021, for those beginner anglers looking to dramatically shorten their learning curve on a specific fishery, the show will offer a number of "fish" specific schools (Beginner Fly Fishing, Beginner Walleye Fishing, etc.). These Schools build off of the success of the above Salmon School but are geared for those just starting out or casual anglers who want to learn the basics to help them be more successful. Each School is a "Deep Dive" taught by multiple instructors who share their expertise on the topics necessary to provide attendees with the knowledge to successfully begin this type of fishing. These schools are for everyone: women, men, and young adults 12 years and older. Check out the "Top Attractions" section for more details on these Schools. They each have limited seating and pre-registration is required to attend. There is also a nominal fee that will include at least a 3-day pass for the Expo among other possible offerings from our Exhibitors and ensures that those who sign up are committed to attending.

Education ClassesList of Speakers

If you love to fish, you will love this show. It has everything for the fisherman and then some. Whether you are just getting into it or you are more experienced and looking to upgrade rods, reels, marine electronics, tackle, boat and motor, kayak, book a charter/guide fishing trip, join a local fishing club, learn to clean and cook your catch or just be around a lot of fishermen who have the same passion for fishing that you do, this show is for you. With plenty of close parking, reasonably priced admission, quality food and drinks at the show along with lodging available at very low off-season rates in Niagara Falls, this is a "can't miss" event to attend. Over 35 percent of our attendees are from out of town. Many of them attend at least 2 if not all 3 days (check out the discounted full show admission ticket) and take advantage of the Show-discounted hotel rates to enjoy a great "weekend getaway" in Niagara Falls. Over 70 percent of attendees have attended previous shows with many of them attending every year. It's a great way to "kick-off" the 2021 fishing season!
List of Attractions LodgingNewsletterTicketsDirections for Parking

In support of our effort to introduce future generations of anglers to the sport of fishing, all children age 12 and under who attend the Expo with a paying adult will receive free admission (limit two children per paying adult). On Saturday and Sunday, a robust kids fishing curriculum will be available taught by expert instructors to teach the kids and their parents the skills they need to enjoy the fishing experience. Education sessions are also offered targeted specifically for High School and College attendees, who are currently the largest growth area for fishing, and are looking for additional education that will help them improve their catches. The curriculum consists of a combination of classroom and hands-on sessions throughout the show.

The Greater Niagara Region is home to one of the most diverse and spectacular freshwater sport fisheries on the planet. The Niagara River, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are all within casting distance for salmon, trout, bass, walleye, muskellunge and so much more. You can fish for many of these species year-round. But the area is much more than that - from the natural wonder of Niagara Falls to a long list of natural, historical and adventure- related attractions - even in the winter!

Niagara USA is an excellent area for birding, recognized internationally as an Important Bird Area in the Niagara River Corridor. Because the Niagara River never freezes, a wide variety of water birds will winter over to take advantage of these waters as a food resource. Gulls, terns, ducks, herons, raptors and geese abound. A Niagara River Greenway is currently being developed from Buffalo to Youngstown. Add in biking, hiking, boating and all the paddle sports to satisfy your outdoor needs, too. Hunting is an interesting option as well.
Niagara Falls is an attraction that can be seen year-round, but winter is definitely off-peak when the Expo is being held. This is a perfect time to take advantage of the downtown area by attending the Expo. Quality hotels surrounding the Conference and Event Center are nearby (including several new ones). New restaurants have added to the menu selection such as Tony Roma's, Rainforest Café, Third Street Retreat Eatery and Pub, Power City Eatery and Marino's Subs. The family atmosphere at the Expo and around the area makes it the perfect combination for young and old alike. Winter attractions outside of Niagara Falls proper include the Aquarium of Niagara Falls; the Culinary Institute of Niagara; the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino; Old Fort Niagara; the New York Power Authority Power Vista (with revamped exhibits that are amazing!); the Herschell Carrousel Museum, and much, much more. Interested in shopping? Fashion Outlets of Niagara offers up more than 200 designer brand stores just 10 minutes from the mighty Cataracts.
From spring to fall, Niagara Falls State Park is still center stage, offering up the historic and spectacular Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds and unique viewing perspectives from Goat Island and other areas of the park. Not all of the attractions are open in the winter, but work is underway to make the Cave of the Winds a year-round viewing spectacle. Heading north, more viewing options are available at Whirlpool State Park, Devil's Hole State Park, Artpark State Park, Joseph Davis State Park and Fort Niagara State Park. Moving out from Niagara Falls will take you to other attractions within the region. The Erie Canal Historic Corridor affords outdoor activities like hiking, biking, boating and paddling. In Lockport, Lockport Locks and Canal Tours and the Lockport Caves headline the list of interesting attractions along with the Flight of Five. The Niagara Wine Trail is one of the fastest growing trails of its kind in the country, while tasty culinary delights at farms and restaurants tickle your taste buds throughout Western New York.
The best place to be to find out about all of this information? The Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo set for Jan. 15-17, 2021 of course! Another excellent resource is Destination Niagara USA at www.niagarafallsusa.com. See you there!