Bernadette Castro, commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, announced that the Long Island region, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will be conducting the 7th Annual Spring Freshwater Fishing Festival at Belmont Lake State Park on Saturday, April 5. The park is located at exit 38 off the Southern State Parkway.

The freshwater fishing festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is for people of all ages. Belmont Lake will be stocked with almost 2,000 rainbow, brown trout, and brook trout from the NYSDEC hatchery system and from the Connetquot River State Park Preserve Fish Hatchery prior to the festival. The high concentration of stocked trout, in addition to the lake's already large yellow perch population, should provide a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself, your family, and friends to the wonderful sport of freshwater fishing. The requirement for a fishing license for all anglers, including those 16 years old or older, is suspended for this festival. Licenses will be on sale for those who want to continue to fish throughout the year.

Families attending the event will have the opportunity to fish, as well as participate in fly fishing instruction, bass fishing demonstrations, and general fishing instruction. In addition, there will be a seminar entitled "New Bass Fishing Techniques for 2003". Children attending any of the fishing demonstrations will also have the opportunity to win raffle prizes supplied by the New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association (NYFTTA). Free loaner fishing rods supplied by NYFTTA and the NYSDEC will be available for use at the festival. Free bait will be provided to all participants. Additionally, fish-cleaning services will be provided to anglers who want to keep their catch.

A vehicle use fee of $5 per vehicle will be in effect. For additional information, please call either Belmont Lake State Park at (631) 667-5055 or the NYSDEC Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0280. For more information on New York State Parks, please visit our website at www.nysparks.com.