Grafton Lakes State Park and Cherry Plain State Park will offer free fishing without a license on June 28 and 29 as part of the NYS DEC’s Free Fishing Weekend. Grafton Lakes State Park is also offering a free fishing program for park patrons.
On June 28, DEC Fisheries Educators will offer “Go Fish! An Intro to Fishing for Families” from 9 am to 1 pm. Meet by the boathouse on Long Pond in Grafton Lakes State Park. Children and parents will learn the basics of fishing and identification, with fishing poles provided by DEC for this free class. First time fishermen are likely to encounter bluegill, pumpkinseeds and rock bass, as well as large and small mouth bass.
Grafton Lakes State Park is open for swimming daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Cherry Plain State Park is currently open on weekends only but will expand to offer swimming and camping daily starting July 4 through Labor Day. To make reservations, visit www.reserveamerica.com. Both parks open at 8 am for picnicking and all other day use activities and close at 8:30 pm. Parking fees are $8 per car at Grafton Lakes State Park and $7 per car at Cherry Plain State Park.
For more information about these and our other summer program offerings, please contact the Park Naturalist at 279-1155 or visit our website at www.nysparks.com/parks.