The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) I FISH NY Program will hold its annual fish stocking and free Family Fishing Festival at Albany's Six Mile Waterworks on Tuesday, April 23, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.
Coinciding with Earth Week and Spring recess for area schools, this event is the perfect chance for families to get outdoors and enjoy the great sport of fishing,” Commissioner Seggos said. “There are a number of great places to fish within the Albany city limits and Six Mile Waterworks is a prime example.”
The festival will kick off at 9:30 a.m., when DEC will stock Rensselaer Lake at Six Mile Waterworks with more than 1,000 catchable-size rainbow trout. The free sportfishing clinic will start shortly thereafter and conclude at 2 p.m. DEC fisheries staff will be available to teach participants about fish identification, angling techniques, and fishing safety. Staff from L.L. Bean will also be available to provide fly casting instruction for those who would like to learn another form of fishing.
Six Mile Waterworks, located in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, provides excellent trout fishing opportunities throughout the spring. Early in the season, trout are more likely to go after artificial lures, such as spinners and spoons. Floating synthetic baits such as Powerbait ® or Gulp® fished off the bottom are also effective for early season trout in ponds.
The event is designated as a free sportfishing clinic. Event participants can fish without a freshwater fishing license. Participants should note that all applicable fishing laws and regulations remain in effect during the event. Free sportfishing clinics are held throughout the state all season long. For information on conducting a fishing clinic or for a list of current clinics scheduled, visit DEC's website.
Six Mile Waterworks is located off the Fuller Road roundabout between Washington and Central avenues. For more information about the event, contact Joelle Ernst with DEC's Bureau of Fisheries at (518) 402-8891.
Additional Local Stocking
Spring trout stocking begin in late March and run through early June. For a full listing of spring trout stocking and the anticipated number of fish to be stocked by county, visit DEC's website. These listings reflect the anticipated distribution of yearling and older trout for the spring fishing season. Actual numbers and stocking times may vary depending on fish availability and weather conditions.
Library Fishing Rod Program
DEC has partnered with several Albany-area libraries to give library card holders the opportunity to borrow a fishing rod. Those 16 years of age and older must have a valid fishing license. Patrons borrowing a fishing rod must follow New York's fishing regulations and provide their own bait. Please call ahead if you plan to borrow a fishing rod. Participating libraries include: Albany Public Library (Main Branch and Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch), Castleton, Cohoes, Guilderland, Middleburgh, Scotia, Rensselaerville, and Voorheesville.
For more information on DEC's fishing rod loaner program, visit DEC's website.
What to Learn More About Fishing?
Visit the DEC Learn to Fish and Fishing Publications webpages for a variety of information on both beginning and advanced fishing skills and links to various publications, such as the I FISH NY Guide to Trout Fishing in Streams.
