BELMONT LAKE SPRING FAMILY FRESHWATER FISHING FESTIVAL

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), the Long Island Region in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York Sea Grant, will be conducting the annual Spring Family Freshwater Fishing Festival at Belmont Lake State Park on

Corporate contributors include DEC’s I FISH NY Program, The Fisherman Magazine, Disney Vacation Club, 102.3 WBAB Radio, and 106.1 WBLI.

Prior to the festival, Belmont Lake will be stocked with close to 4,000 brown, brook, and rainbow trout by the DEC and OPRHP. The high concentration of stocked trout, in addition to the lake’s large yellow perch population, should provide a prefect opportunity to introduce yourself, your family and friends to the wonderful sport of freshwater fishing. The freshwater fishing license requirement for anglers age 16 and older has been suspended for this event.

Fishing activities offered will include open fishing, fishing instruction, fly casting demonstrations, and a fish cleaning station. In addition, display areas will be set up by the DEC and local fishing clubs. Loaner rods and free bait will be available free of charge. Because the supply of loaner rods is limited, participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing tackle if they have it.

Children’s activities will include temporary tattoos, hands-on educational displays by the DEC Education Unit, as well as a “Spring Fling” casting contest. Children participating in the casting contest will have a chance to win some great prizes, which will be supplied by I FISH NY. A vehicle use fee of $8 will be in effect. Parking is free for Empire Pass holders.  There is no rain date for this event.