The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will host the annual Spring Family Fishing Festival on Saturday, April 18 at Belmont Lake State Park.
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers a variety of fishing-related activities designed for anglers of all ages. Participants can enjoy open fishing, casting instruction, rod use demonstrations, fish identification, and fly-casting demonstrations. Informational displays will be hosted by DEC staff and local fishing clubs, and a fish-cleaning station will also be available.
Loaner rods and bait will be provided while supplies last, though attendees are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear if possible. Children can take part in casting contests and hands-on educational activities, with prizes awarded through DEC’s I FISH NY program.
The festival will be held rain or shine and is designated as a Free Fishing Event, meaning the freshwater fishing license requirement for anglers ages 16 and older will be suspended during the event hours. After 4 p.m., anglers must have a valid New York State freshwater fishing license to continue fishing.
Belmont Lake will be stocked with approximately 1,000 brown and rainbow trout ahead of the event as part of DEC’s spring trout stocking program.
Parking at Belmont Lake State Park is $8 per vehicle, with free entry for Empire Pass holders.
