When the trees in Massapequa's Greenbelt Preserve begin to bud and the dandelions start sprouting up along the Massapequa Creek, you know spring has sprung. Another sure sign of spring in the Piqua's is when anglers of all ages jam the Kiwanis Fishing Bridge and try their luck. Although the three best rivers for trout fishing on Long Island are located in Suffolk County, Nassau offers great lake and stream fishing.

Beginning in mid-March, the Massapequa Reservoir and the Massapequa Creek to its north were stocked with legal size brown, brook and rainbow trout by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Fishing from the bridge has been a tradition since 1969, when the members of the Kiwanis Club built the 44-long wood decked, steel and concrete bridge. On completion of the project, the Massapequa Kiwanis Club turned it over to the Nassau County Parks Department.

Children under the age of 16 can fish anywhere in New York State without a license. Fresh water fishing licenses may be purchased at most tackle shops and at town and village halls; senior citizens are granted a discount. The NYS fresh water fishing season ends Nov. 30. For further information call 631-444-0280.