I Fish NY Festival Draws Hundreds to Hempstead Lake

It was a day for fishing, fun and family at this year’s Fall Freshwater Fishing and Children’s Festival.

Hundreds of Long Island residents turned out to on Oct. 15, for the annual event, sponsored by the I Fish NY program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in conjunction with the Office of Parks, Recreation and Preservation, New York Sea Grant, The Fisherman magazine and Dicks Sporting Goods.

The day-long festival offered a full schedule of activities for young and old to enjoy.  To promote the sport of fishing throughout the state of New York, instructors and conservationists were on hand to provide information about New York State Parks, wildlife and outdoor activities.  

In advance of the event, McDonald and Sound ponds were stocked with trout. Regardless of your experience level, you had a good chance of getting the fish to bite. Instructors offered lessons in casting a line to the least experienced and taught fly-casting to newbie fishermen. I Fish NY provided bait, rods and fish cleaning for any catch of the day. 

“It’s just a nice day out with my son,” said Arthur, of Lakeview, who tutored his son, Andre, on some of the finer points of fly-fishing.

Adding to the fishing festivities, was the chance for youngsters to participate in a Casting for Pumpkins contest, where the winners won a pumpkin of their own to take home. There was also face painting and pumpkin decorating and "The Magic of Amore" was, once again, on hand to amaze kids and adults.

Tom and Viviana Garramone, of Levittown, brought daughter Felicia to the festival for the children’s activities. She enjoyed her first pony ride, courtesy of Lola, one of three ponies provided by

I Fish NY makes its home on the campus of the State University of New York at Stony Brook and aims to introduce, educate and promote the sport of fishing throughout New York State.  For more information about fishing in New York, go to click here.