Free learn-to-fish events at Onondaga Lake
Summary
NY DEC and Onondaga County Parks announce free family-friendly learn-to-fish events at Onondaga Lake from April 11 to September 12, 2026. The catch-and-release events are open to all ages and abilities at five locations; no fishing license or registration required, with equipment and bait provided.
What changed
NY DEC and Onondaga County Parks have announced a series of five free learn-to-fish events at Onondaga Lake from April 11 through September 12, 2026. Events will be held at ADA-compliant locations including Willow Bay fishing jetty, Deep Water Fishing Pier, and the Onondaga Lake Visitor Center. All events are land-based, catch-and-release fishing with equipment, bait (corn and worms), and DEC staff assistance provided. No fishing license is required.
Compliance officers should note this is a public outreach announcement with no regulatory requirements or compliance obligations. The events are informational programming for the general public to promote fishing participation and outdoor recreation. No action is required by any regulated entity.
Archived snapshot
Apr 2, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
April 02, 2026
DEC and Onondaga County Parks Announce Family Friendly Learn-to-Fish Events at Onondaga Lake
Free Family Fun for All Ages and Abilities Beginning on April 11
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Onondaga County Parks today announced a series of all-ages, all-level, all-abilities, family-friendly, catch-and-release fishing events from April 11 to September 12 at various locations on Onondaga Lake in Onondaga County.
“Join DEC’s learn-to-fish events offering everyone of any ability a chance to get started fishing or introduce others to fishing,” said DEC Region 7 Director Dereth Glance. “All equipment is provided and no license is needed, so Get Offline, Get Outside, and learn to fish with DEC. All abilities and experiences are welcome and supported!”
All events are land-based, and no fishing license is necessary to participate. DEC fishing rods are available for participants to use. DEC will also provide corn and worms for bait. DEC staff will be assisting first-time anglers and others who may need assistance. Registration is not required.
Family Friendly Learn-to-Fish Events:
When: Saturday, April 11, 2–4 p.m.
Where: Americans with Disabilities Act- (ADA) compliant fishing jetty in the Willow Bay section of Onondaga Lake Park, 228 East Shore Trail, Liverpool, NY 13088
Details: Parking is available at the Willow Bay parking lot near the Willow Bay Shelter. There is a paved route to the accessible fishing jetty from this parking lot.
When: Saturday, May 9, 9–11 a.m.
Where: Deep Water Fishing Pier, West Shore Trail, Onondaga Lake Park, 232 Restoration Way, Syracuse, NY 13204
When: Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Deep Water Fishing Pier, West Shore Trail, Onondaga Lake Park, 232 Restoration Way, Syracuse, NY 13204
When: Saturday, July 11, 9–11 a.m.
Where: ADA-compliant fishing jetty in the Willow Bay section of Onondaga Lake Park, 228 East Shore Trail, Liverpool, NY 13088
Details: Parking is available at the Willow Bay parking lot near the Willow Bay shelter. There is a paved route to the accessible fishing jetty from this parking lot.
When: Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Where: DEC’s Onondaga Lake Visitor Center, Onondaga Lake Boat Launch, 270 Restoration Way, Syracuse, NY 13204
For specific questions about these events, please contact DEC Environmental Educator Betsy Ukeritis at (315) 314-0768 or r678ed@dec.ny.gov.
This event may be filmed and photographed. By participating, you agree to your image being recorded. If you do not wish to be photographed, please speak with the event organizers.
Contact for this Page Megan Corcoran
DCEE
Phone: (315) 426-7400 Info.R7@dec.ny.gov This Page Covers Region 7 - Central New York
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