The Department of Environmental Conservation is hosting the 9^th Annual I Fish NY free fishing event at Albany’s Six Mile Waterworks (Rensselaer Lake) April 26-29, Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.

The program features free sportfishing clinics April 26-29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. DEC fisheries staff will be on hand to teach participants about fish identification, angling techniques, safety, and angling ethics. Staff from L.L. Bean will also be available to provide fly casting instruction for those who would to like to learn a new method of fishing.

“The Six Mile Waterworks trout stocking event and fishing festival in Albany is one of DEC’s most popular events of the year, attracting hundreds to this annual celebration of fishing season,” Acting Commissioner Seggos said. “Through Governor Cuomo’s Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, we are expanding fishing opportunities in urban areas, and the I FISH NY program provides the resources and expertise to create the next generation of New York anglers.”

On Tuesday, April 26, the main feature of the event will take place at 9:30 a.m. when DEC’s Van Hornesville Fish Hatchery staff will be stocking the lake with approximately 2,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout. Shortly after the stocking, participants will have the opportunity to borrow fishing equipment and bait and cast their lines for free.

DEC staff will be at Six Mile Waterworks the remainder of the week (4/27-4/29) to provide angling assistance and loan fishing equipment. Large groups that plan on attending are encouraged to call (518) 402-8891 to ensure equipment will be available. This annual event takes place during Spring Recess for many area schools, making it the ideal activity for families to share in together.

Six Mile Waterworks provides excellent trout fishing opportunities throughout the spring. Early in the season, trout are more apt to bite on artificial lures, such as spinners and spoons, which seem to be most effective. A simple bobber and worm rig is a great option, too. Sunfish will begin to move into shallow water to begin spawning in the later spring months.

These events are designated as free sportfishing events where participants can fish for free and no freshwater fishing license or enrollment in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry is required. Participants should note that all applicable fishing laws and regulations remain in effect during the event. Free sportfishing clinics are held throughout the state. For information on conducting a clinic or for a list of current clinics scheduled, visit DEC's website http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/89811.html.

Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s New York Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, new legislation was passed to increase the number of designated free sport fishing days from two to eight, providing more opportunities for both those new to fishing and those that would like to get back into it. Upcoming established free fishing days include the last full weekend in June (June 25-26, 2016) and Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2016). Visit DEC’s website periodically for newly designated free sport fishing days. During these days anyone can fish the waters of NY without the requirement of a fishing license or enrollment in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.

Library Fishing Rod Program

Albany residents can also participate in a program through the Albany Public Library, which provides fishing rods to loan. The main branch at 161 Washington Ave. has a limited number of fishing rods that are available to library card holders. Other participating libraries include: Cohoes, Guilderland, Middleburgh, Scotia, and Rensselaerville.

Six Mile Waterworks is located off of Fuller Road between Washington and Central avenues. For more information about the event, contact Joelle Ernst with DEC's Bureau of Fisheries at (518) 402-8891.