The hatchery is proud of its many fishing programs and is always striving to reach more people in the community. Generally held at our large Time Out to Fish Pond, many organizations participate including local businesses, senior centers, schools, colleges, government agencies, and volunteer organizations, just to name a few. Here are some of the programs we have been involved with over the years:
Public Fishing Program: This popular program offers fishing for families, small groups and individuals. Volunteers are on site to help beginners at designated times during the spring and summer months to enjoy our beautiful park and participate in one of America’s greatest pastimes, fishing!
Time Out to Fish Program: This very successful long running program offers the opportunity to fish for brown and rainbow trout. The list of participants includes school groups (including inner city schools), groups serving children with special needs (i.e. children with physical, mental and emotional disabilities, etc.), senior citizens, and individuals including adults with special needs.
Grandparent/Grandchild Fishing Week: This special program offers a great opportunity for grandparents to enjoy quality time with their grandchildren, and create memories for a lifetime.
Fly Fishing and Tying for Military Veterans: This program, created by Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings. At Carpenter’s Brook, volunteer organizations like Trout Unlimited provide instructors and equipment for this very worthwhile enterprise. (sponsored by Project Healing Waters Flyfishing, Inc.)
Family Fishing Day: Kids and adults interested in learning the basics of freshwater fishing have enjoyed a session of instruction provided by DEC staff, Carpenter’s Brook staff and volunteers from the Friends of Carpenter’s Brook. Topics covered include: common fishing tackle and techniques, fish identification and biology, conservation and ethics, aquatic ecology, fish preparation and cooking. (sponsored by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation)
Sportsmen’s Days: This program at Carpenter’s Brook was created by OCFSC as a tribute to National Hunting and Fishing Day. It is one of the largest such celebrations in New York State. Outdoor activities suitable for all ages include: skeet shooting, waterfowl identification/calling, turkey and goose calling, archery, BB guns, fly fishing, jig tying, canoeing, muzzle loading, and trout fishing. There are demonstrations by woodsmen, local wildlife artists, retriever and pointer dog trainers, and talks by authors, conservation officers, and forest rangers. It’s a great day for the entire family! (sponsored by Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen Clubs)
Mobile Trout Pool
In addition, the hatchery supports off-site fishing programs by providing a trout pool setup. Stocked with approximately 200 brown and rainbow trout, many local groups find this an ideal and inexpensive way for younger children to experience fishing in a safe and controlled environment. Although adults are always welcome to join in… and they do! One of the bigger off-site events is run by the Friends of Carpenter’s Brook at the annual Northeast Sportsman Show, located at the NYS Fairgrounds. Held over a three day period, over 500 children have the opportunity to catch a fish, often for the very first time!
Learn more about these programs and how you can participate! Visit OnondagaCountyParks.com for more information and talk to our dedicated hatchery staff for details. Remember, volunteers are always welcome!