DEC To Hold Annual 'Spring Family Fishing Festival'

NORTH BABYLON, NY — The Department of Environmental Conservation and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will hold the annual Spring Family Fishing Festival on Saturday, April 2, at Belmont Lake State Park.

The festival begins at 10 a.m. is free of charge. However, a vehicle use fee of $8 will be in effect. Parking is free for Empire Pass holders.

Activities include open fishing, casting instruction, rod use, fish identification, fishing instruction, fly-casting demonstrations, and a fish cleaning station.

"Freshwater fishing is an activity the whole family can enjoy, especially on Long Island," said Regional Director Cathy Haas. "The Spring Fishing Festival at Belmont Lake State Park is an excellent way to kick off the fishing season and introduce family and friends to the sport with no license needed."

Prior to the festival, DEC will stock Belmont Lake with nearly 1,000 brown and brook trout. Additional brook and rainbow trout will be stocked by State Parks, to highlight DEC's spring trout stocking program.

"Fishing is a great way for New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the environment," said George Gorman Jr., State Parks Long Island Regional Director. "I encourage anglers of all ages to discover what a great place Belmont Lake State Park is to try fishing."

DEC and local fishing clubs will also host informational displays and loaner rods and free bait will be available to participants. The supply of loaner rods is limited and participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing tackle if possible.

Additional sponsors for the fishing festival include the Natural Heritage Trust, The Fisherman Magazine, New York Life, Seaford Knights of Columbus Fishing Club, Art Flick Chapter Trout Unlimited, and radio stations 106.1 WBLI and 102.3 WBAB.