New York State Parks Welcomes Anglers of All Ages

Trout Fishing Season Begins April 1

ALBANY, NY (03/27/2008)(readMedia)-- Carol Ash, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, welcomed anglers to state parks for the April 1 opening of trout season in the Empire State. Lakes, ponds, streams and creeks in 54 state parks and historic sites promise an outstanding year for fishing across New York.

“State Parks offer trouble-free access to exceptional fishing in beautiful settings across the state,” said Ash. “Many parks offer events to help visitors become better anglers or introduce young ones to the joys of exploring the outdoors with a fishing pole in hand. We encourage anglers of all ages to discover the magnificent lakes, ponds, streams and rivers running through New York State Parks.”

Parks hosting special angling events in conjunction with trout season include:

  • Taconic State Park (Columbia County) will host All About Trout on March 29.
  • Belmont Lake State Park (Nassau County) will hold a Spring Family Fishing Festival on April 5, featuring loaner rods, free bait and fish cleaning services, fishing seminars, fly fishing instruction and other family-oriented activities.
  • Saratoga Spa State Park (Saratoga County) invites families to the park for the stocking of Geyser Creek with Brown Trout on April 16.
  • Letchworth State Park (Livingston/Wyoming counties) is offering a Trout Clinic on April 14 where a certified fishing instructor will teach trout fishing basics and then guide participants out to the park's trout pond and East Koy trout stream for hands-on instruction.
  • Letchworth will also be hosting its 9th annual Memorial Day Free Learn to Catch Fish Family picnic over the holiday weekend in May.
  • Allegany State Park (Cattaraugus County) will hold the Catch Me If You Can Fishing Derby on June 21 at the Red House Boathouse.
  • Hamlin Beach State Park (Monroe County) will hold a Free Fishing Day for families on June 28.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) plans to stock 2.3 million catchable trout across the state. Stocked waters include many streams and lakes located within state parks. Several of these properties also boast wild trout streams where anglers are also encouraged to fish. A complete list of stocking sites, as well as maps for lake and pond anglers, is available on the DEC website at www.dec.state.ny.us.

State Parks officials remind early season anglers to use caution, as ice melt can create swift flow in high waters, unstable ice layers and unstable hiking terrain - particularly in higher elevations where winter snow is lingering.

A New York State fishing license is required and Department of Environmental Conservation rules and regulations apply at all OPRHP properties. Special permits may be required at some state parks and historic sites.

For more information about individual facility requirements, or upcoming angling events at state parks, please call (518) 474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com.

For a complete listing of where trout fishing is encouraged in state parks by region, visit www.nysparks.com.

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