Fisherman have been coming to Franklin County for decades. Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Jimmy Carter both fished the waters of Franklin County because the fishin’ is good.

Anglers of all ages are invited to find out what these prestigious anglers knew and catch as many fish as they can at the 20th Annual Trout Derby in Chambersburg on May 6-7. Not only is it a chance to enjoy spring fishing, but hopefully bring in a money fish or two.  Sponsored by the Chambersburg Noontime Lions Club, the Chambersburg Trout Derby is the top trout derby in the U.S.

Approximately 600 specifically tagged trout are released by members of the Noontime Lions Club with nearly $25,000 in “money fish.” Fishermen will have the span of two days to catch these fish from the Conococheague Creek between the concrete bridge near the Scotland Post Office in Scotland PA to the concrete abutement in the T.K. & Nellie Nitterhouse Soccer Complex, just outside downtown Chambersburg. Fishing begins at 6 AM on Saturday, May 6, and concludes at 3 PM on Sunday, May 7. The Trout Derby check-In station is 125 W. Washington Street in downtown Chambersburg. Last minute, in-person registrations will be taken on Friday, May 6, from 4 PM to 8 PM as well as 4 AM to 6 AM on Saturday, May 6. All anglers, age 16 and older, must have a valid PA Fishing License and a Trout Stamp.

  • Approximately $25,000 in regular prize money
  • Approximately 600 money fish with payouts ranging from $25 – $2,000
  • $30,000 Pre-Owned Vehicle Contest sponsored by Forrester Lincoln
  • Big Trout Contest with an estimated payout of nearly $2,000
  • A New & Improved Raffle will be held at Noon on Sunday with over $3,500 in prizes! You don’t want to miss this one!!

The Chambersburg Trout Derby is a way for the Chambersburg Noontime Lions to raise money to gift back to the community. Since starting in 1997, the Lion’s Club has given more than $250,000 to the local community, including a recent pledge of $10,000 for the Franklin County Library System’s Coyle Free Capital Campaign. The club also volunteers at local homeless shelters, collects eyeglasses for the needy, and honors an area “teacher of the month.”

Download Information:
2017 Registration Form                                         2017 Fisherman’s Packet
2017 Corporate Sponsors Agreement                Noontime Lions Registration