News Release: 2/29/2024

The Orillia Perch Festival transfer under CSFL Management

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Orillia, ON. The Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce(ODCC) and the Competitive Sport Fishing League (CSFL) have come to an agreement for the future of the Orillia Perch Festival. 

Starting in 2024, the Perch Festival will be owned and managed by the CSFL, operating Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28 for the first year under the new management with plans on expanding the length of the event in upcoming years.

“The Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce has taken the event as far as it can and the CSFL is a world class organization that has what it takes to keep the tournament alive in Orillia for years to come.  One of the challenges we have operating the Perch Festival is declining volunteerism and staff time needed to complete the once-a-year event.  We need the extra time for member advocacy as well as focusing on our Port of Orillia operations” said Allan Lafontaine, Executive Director of the ODCC.     

“With the Orillia Perch Festival approaching its 42nd annual year, it is important to us to embrace this heritage event and maintain it for future generations. We look forward to continuing relationships with the local businesses in support of this event in maintaining its community base legacy,” states Andrew Pallotta, Owner of the CSFL.

“We respect the Orillia & District Chambers of Commerce and all their hard work they have put forth over the years into creating the annual Orillia Perch Festival! As challenges continue to present themselves to similar events in various communities, we admire the initiative the Orillia Chambers is making by reaching out to partner with the CSFL with the intent to continue to grow the Perch Festival in a positive direction.” Andrew adds. 

The Competitive Sport Fishing League currently runs over 30 annual events from April through October including the Bassmania Circuit, Pro Bass Cup Series, MLF Canada and other special events.  With its connection to fishing it makes sense that the CSFL add this great long time event to their great roster of fishing events.

Orillia will continue to be the home of central Ontario boating fun, with the new event organizers ensuring that perching continues to be a major reason to visit Orillia & Lake Country.

The Competitive Sport Fishing League is the leading tournament series in Canada, offering diverse events that cater to every level of angler from experienced professionals to amateurs being introduced to the sport. To date the CSFL has successfully operated over 850 events, released thousands of fish and has hosted anglers from across the world throughout its 27 years of operation! Fish care is the CSFL’s top priority. Since the conception of the CSFL in 1997, fish care has always been a major component in its series. Today the CSFL utilizes the in water weigh in system developed through Queen's University, including the technology of properly regulated aerated tanks, water weigh-in scales and state of the art live release boats to enable the safe return of the resource, ensuring the future of the sport. The CSFL has released over 500 fish per day with less than 1% mortality rate.