The NY Musky Expo will run this weekend, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. There is a small admission fee for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Photo by Katia Rivers

Freshwater muskellunge — often called “the fish of ten thousand casts” — sits at the very top of the angling world. For those who chase them, muskies represent the ultimate challenge: powerful apex predators capable of shredding line, heavy-duty lures, making reel bearings scream, smoke, and sometimes fail, and delivering an adrenaline rush unlike anything else in freshwater fishing.

That thrill and what it takes to get there will be on full display next weekend when the NY Musky Expo comes to Celoron Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel.

The NY Musky Expo has become one of the most anticipated winter gatherings for musky anglers across New York and the Northeast, and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. More than 70 vendors will be on hand, filling the show floor with cutting-edge gear and innovative products designed specifically for one of the toughest fish to fool. Anglers can expect to see an impressive variety of hard baits, soft baits, and hybrid combo baits — available in a seemingly endless range of shapes, sizes, and colors — along with rods, reels, tackle, and accessories built to withstand the brutal endurance demands of musky fishing.

One of the most exciting and unique aspects of the Expo is the strong conservation and education presence. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will attend with staff from the Prendergast Fish Hatchery, bringing along live musky fingerlings for public viewing. These little guys look like mini-sharks to most folks.

On Sunday, those young muskies will be released into the lake through a hole drilled in the ice by DEC staff, a hands-on, memorable moment for everyone that highlights the ongoing efforts to sustain and enhance New York’s musky fisheries. It’s not every day that anglers get to see the future of the fishery up close.

The Expo schedule is packed with highlights beyond the vendor floor. A full slate of seminars led by experienced musky experts will offer tips, tactics, and insights for anglers of all skill levels, whether they are new to musky fishing or seasoned veterans looking to refine their approach. Another crowd favorite is the Musky Lure Swap (Saturday, 6-8 p.m.), where anglers can trade, browse, and talk tackle with fellow enthusiasts who share the same passion for these legendary fish.

Families are welcome at the NY Musky Expo, making it a true community event. Kids under 12 are admitted free, encouraging the next generation of anglers to learn about fishing, conservation, and the excitement of the outdoors. There is lure-making and coloring for the kids, and each child will receive a free musky lure. The Expo’s welcoming atmosphere makes it just as enjoyable for curious newcomers as it is for hardcore musky hunters.

The event is proudly chaired by NY Musky Chapter 69, along with additional supporters who help make the show possible. Show Chairperson Katia Rivers and her team have worked to create an engaging, high-energy weekend that celebrates both the thrill of musky fishing and the importance of stewardship. Additional details will follow in the weekend edition, but one thing is certain: the NY Musky Expo is shaping up to be a can’t-miss winter event for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike–right in the heart of Chautauqua County on Chautauqua Lake – home of many of the biggest muskies that swim anywhere.

Gotta love the outdoors!

CALENDAR

Jan. 27: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12 yrs old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).

Jan. 31-Feb. 1: NY Musky Expo, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Celeron; Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; $15 admission – single day, $20 – two day; Sunday only admission: $10; kids under 12 are free; Info: Katia Rivers, 585-668-2550.

Feb. 1: Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, Winterfest Banquet & Drawing, dinner – 3 p.m., Music by “Ion Sky” 2-6 p.m. Info: 716-763-3955

Feb. 7: Lakeshore Long-beards NWTF Banquet, White Inn, 5 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m. dinner, live auction, raffles, annual youth event fund-raiser; Info: Robert Turk, 716-673-6703; https://events.nwtf.org/EVT-20816.