The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) I FISH NY Program will hold its annual fish stocking and free fishing program at Albany’s Six Mile Waterworks on Tuesday, April 3, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.

“This popular event is the perfect opportunity for parents to take advantage of Spring recess and take their kids outdoors,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Regardless of age or ability, fishing is an activity everyone can participate in, and New York is fortunate to have a vast amount of water resources throughout the state.”

The day will kick off at 9:30 a.m., when DEC will stock Rensselaer Lake at Six Mile Waterworks with more than 1,700 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 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 event. Participants can fish for free without the need for 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 clinic or for a list of current clinics scheduled, visit DEC's website http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/89811.html.

Six Mile Waterworks is located off 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.

Additional Local Stocking

Spring trout stockings begin in late March and run through early June. For a full listing of stocked waters and the anticipated number of fish to be stocked by county, visit DEC’s website https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30465.html.

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. The fish are stocked with help from County Federated Sportsmen.

Library Fishing Rod Program

DEC has partnered with a number of Albany-area libraries to provide fishing rods for participants to borrow during the event. A limited number of fishing rods are available to library card holders. Participating libraries include: Albany Public Library (Main Branch and Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch), Cohoes, Guilderland, Middleburgh, Scotia, and Rensselaerville.

Children under 16 years of age, or people holding a valid New York fishing license, can borrow a fishing rod at a participating location. People borrowing a fishing rod must provide their own bait and follow New York's fishing regulations. Please call ahead if you plan to borrow a fishing rod.

For more information on DEC’s fishing rod loaner program, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/98019.html.