Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

March 22, 2011

Dan Keefe
518-486-1868

New York State Parks Welcomes Anglers of All Ages

State Parks offer ideal places to introduce youth to the joys of trout fishing

Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, encouraged anglers to visit the state park system for the 2011 trout season beginning April 1. Lakes, ponds, streams and creeks in 54 state parks and historic sites provide an ideal place to introduce youth to the joys of fishing.

"Fishing a great way for New Yorkers - especially our young people - to discover the outdoors and learn to be better stewards of the natural world," said Harvey. "State Parks offer easy access to magnificent lakes, ponds, streams and rivers across the state for anglers of all ages. In addition, many parks host special events to introduce people to fishing or help them improve their skills."

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

• Belmont Lake State Park (Nassau County) will hold a Spring Family Fishing Festival on April 9, featuring loaner rods and fly fishing instruction and other family-oriented activities on April 9 from 10 am to 4 pm.
• Saratoga Spa State Park (Saratoga County) invites families to assist with the stocking of Geyser Creek with Brown Trout on April 20th, 11am.
• Mills-Norrie State Park (Dutchess County) will host a free fishing day with equipment provided on April 20 at 2 pm.
• Grafton Lakes State Park (Rensselaer County) will host a trout discovery and stocking program April 21 at 1 pm.
• Caleb Smith State Park Preserve (Suffolk County) will host a fly fishing school to help junior anglers learn the basics of fly fishing, casting, equipment selection, stream ethics and safety on April 23. (Two Sessions: 9 to 11 am and 1 to 3 pm.)
• Caleb Smith State Park Preserve (Suffolk County) will host a freshwater fishing clinic to help junior anglers learn the basics of freshwater fishing, casting, equipment selection, bait, lures, and safety on May 21 (Two Sessions: 9 to 11 am and 1 to 3 pm.)
• Letchworth State Park (Livingston/Wyoming counties) will host its Free Learn to Catch a Fish Family picnic May 28 beginning at 11 am.
• Buckhorn Island State Park (Erie County) will hold a free fishing day to introduce families to the joys of fishing on June 25, beginning at 8 am.
• Hamlin Beach State Park (Monroe County) will hold a Free Fishing Day for families on June 26 from 12-4 pm.
• Allegany State Park (Cattaraugus County) will hold the Catch Me If You Can Fishing Derby for children 15 and under on July 9 at the Red House Boathouse beginning at 8 am.

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. New York State 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.