Six Mile Waterworks Park

Park Overview

Six Mile Waterworks Park is a 57-acre recreational area located in Albany, New York. The park is centered around Rensselaer Lake, also known as Six Mile Waterworks, which was originally built in 1851 as Albany's first public water supply reservoir.

The lake covers approximately 35.3 acres and has a shoreline length of 2.9 miles. The park is situated in Albany's Pine Bush Preserve, about 0.2 miles north of I-90 off Fuller Road.

Fishing Opportunities

Six Mile Waterworks Park is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is stocked several times each year with fish from the City's Alcove Reservoir and is said to be home to some of the biggest fish in the Capital District.

Each spring, approximately 2,000 rainbow trout are added to the lake. Anglers can expect to find a variety of fish species including northern pike, chain pickerel, common carp, bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, and black crappie.

The park provides abundant shoreline access as well as two fishing platforms, making it accessible for different types of anglers.

Recreation Activities

While motorized boats are not permitted, visitors can launch rowboats, canoes, and kayaks from the shore, allowing for exploration of the lake's cooler, deeper parts where some of the larger fish may be found.

Beyond fishing, Six Mile Waterworks Park offers a range of recreational facilities. It features walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, making it suitable for family outings and casual recreation.

The park's location within the Pine Bush Preserve also provides opportunities for nature observation and bird watching.

Seasonal Information

The park operates year-round from 8AM to 5PM daily, with its busiest period typically running from the third Saturday in June until Labor Day. During this time, visitors can enjoy the full range of the park's amenities and activities.