Fishing is a serene and rewarding experience that provides a break from the stresses of modern life. New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has been working tirelessly to make fishing more accessible to residents and visitors alike. The upcoming trout stocking efforts across the state, including Albany County, offer a unique opportunity for individuals to get outside, enjoy nature, and engage in this timeless sport. The DEC has been 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 alone. The trout, which are an excellent source of nutrition, are available to catch in various locations throughout the state, including Rensselaer Lake. “DEC trout stocking is in full swing statewide, including here at Rensselaer Lake ensuring Albany and other Capital Region residents have a spot nearby to get outside, cast a line, and enjoy nature,” Acting Commissioner Amanda 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 commended Governor Hochul and the DEC for their continued partnership to restock Six Mile Waterworks, a popular nature preserve and park, ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy the great outdoors year after year. She noted, “Six Mile Waterworks is one of Albany’s largest nature preserves and a wonderful place to walk, fish, and enjoy the great outdoors.”
To celebrate the start of the fishing season, DEC will host a trout stocking event at Six Mile Waterworks on April 17 at 10 a.m. The event will feature staff from the Albany Pine Bush, Capital District Fly Fishers, and the DEC’s Bureau of Fisheries. Attendees will be invited to assist in stocking fish into the water, and participants can bring their own fishing rods. All applicable fishing laws and regulations remain in effect during the event. Staff from the Albany Pine Bush will also be on site to provide a family-friendly activity. Capital District Fly Fishers will be available to teach and assist with learning how to fly cast. The event will be a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together while enjoying the outdoors. 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. DEC also 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 program, known as the Library Fishing Rod Program, aims to make fishing more affordable and help inspire the next generation of anglers. 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. The program 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. By providing affordable fishing opportunities, DEC hopes to encourage more people to get outside, engage in outdoor activities, and improve their overall well-being. Visit the DEC’s website for a full listing of spring trout stocking and the anticipated number of fish to be stocked by county. 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. 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 (PDF).

1. Benefits of Fishing: Improved mental health, reduced stress levels, and increased physical activity are just a few of the benefits of fishing.
2. Affordable Options: DEC’s Library Fishing Rod Program provides affordable fishing opportunities for residents and visitors.
3. Increased Participation: I FISH NY aims to increase fishing participation and awareness of the outstanding fishing opportunities in New York State.
4. Family-Friendly Activities: The trout stocking event at Six Mile Waterworks will feature family-friendly activities, including staff from the Albany Pine Bush and Capital District Fly Fishers.

“The outdoors is the best medicine, and fishing is one of the most effective ways to get outside and enjoy nature while promoting physical and mental health.” – Governor Kathy Hochul

This summer will bring more opportunities for Anglers to connect with nature and improve their well-being.