Affordable Fishing Opportunities Help New Yorkers ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton will join City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan to kick off the fishing season at Albany's Six Mile Waterworks at 10 a.m. on April 17. DEC began stocking more than 1.8 million catchable-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout in ponds and streams across the state in mid-March and will continue stocking efforts through early June. Stocking of more than 4,900 trout is planned for this Spring in Albany County. 

“DEC trout stocking is in full swing statewide, including here at Rensselaer Lake ensuring Albany and other Capital Region residents have spot nearby to get outside, cast a line, and enjoy nature,” Acting Commissioner Lefton said. “I encourage all New York anglers, both seasoned experts and those new to fishing, to explore the abundant fishing opportunities available throughout the state.”  

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "Six Mile Waterworks is one of Albany's largest nature preserves and a wonderful place to walk, fish, and enjoy the great outdoors. I commend Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for their continued partnership to restock Six Mile ensuring this great amenity is available to our residents and visitors alike year after year."

Activities will kick off at 10 a.m. when DEC will stock Rensselaer Lake with 2,100 catchable-size rainbow trout. DEC fisheries staff will be on site and invite attendees to assist in stocking fish into the water. Although this is not a formal fishing event, participants can bring their own fishing rods. All applicable fishing laws and regulations remain in effect during the event. Information on purchasing freshwater fishing licenses is available on DEC’s website. 

Staff from the Albany Pine Bush will also be on site at this year’s Six Mile Waterworks trout stocking event to provide a family friendly activity. Capital District Fly Fishers will be available teach and assist with learning how to fly cast. Six Mile Waterworks, located in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve off the Fuller Road roundabout between Washington and Central avenues. The lake provides an excellent local opportunity to catch trout throughout the spring. Early in the season, trout are more likely to go after artificial lures, such as spinners and spoons. Worms and floating synthetic baits such as fished off the bottom are also effective for early season trout in ponds. As the water temperatures warm in the spring, sunfish and bass will become more active, moving into shallow water to spawn. For more information about the event, contact Joelle Loukmas with DEC's Bureau of Fisheries at fwfish@dec.ny.gov. 

Additional Local Stocking 

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.  

Affordable Angling: Library Fishing Rod Program 

To help make fishing more affordable and help inspire the next generation of anglers, DEC partners with several Albany-area libraries to give library card holders the opportunity to borrow a fishing rod needed to get on the water. This opportunity for people to try fishing before purchasing their own gear supports Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative to promote physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings. Patrons 16 years of age and older must have a valid fishing license to borrow a rod. All borrowers must follow New York's fishing regulations. Please call ahead to participating libraries which includes Albany Public Library (Main Branch and Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch), Castleton, Cohoes, Guilderland, Middleburgh, Scotia, Rensselaerville, and Voorheesville branches. For more information and a full list of participating libraries statewide, visit DEC’s website.

I FISH NY serves to increase fishing participation and awareness of the outstanding fishing opportunities that New York has to offer. The program introduces people to the sport of angling through a variety of approaches. Visit the DEC Learn to Fish webpage 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. 

Safe Fish Consumption