Outdoor Recreation & Fishing

Six Mile Waterworks Park & Rensselaer Lake

Six Mile Waterworks is located on Fuller Road, just north of Interstate 90 (I-90) in the Albany's Pine Bush Preserve. The park has abundant shoreline as well as two fishing platforms. Row boats/canoes/kayaks can be launched from shore, but no gasoline or battery operated motors are allowed.

The park also features picnic tables, a playground, a parking lot, and restrooms operated seasonally. No swimming or wading is permitted.

Fishing

A permit from AWD is not required to fish at Six Mile Waterworks. However, a NY State fishing license is still required. Learn more about fishing at the park by visiting the NY Department of Environmental Conservation's Rensselaer Lake page.

Basic Creek Reservoir

The Basic Creek Reservoir is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, throughout the year. It is located in the Town of Westerlo, NY.

The reservoir has much to offer for outdoor recreation. Shore fishing is the main attraction, which is stocked with:

• American Eel
• Bass
• Black Crappie
• Bluegill
• Bullheads
• Chain Pickerel
• Northern Pike
• Pumpkinseed
• Walleye and other species
• White Perch
• Yellow Perch

Shoreline fishing is accessible from the parking areas and trails, as well as areas that are handicapped accessible.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is another popular attraction, with bald eagles and many species of migratory waterfowl and songbirds in the vicinity.

Access Permit Information & Guidelines

A permit is required for all access to the Basic Creek Reservoir lands. Photo ID permits will be issued at the AWD main office, located at:
10 N Enterprise Drive
Albany, NY 12204

Due to current social distancing guidelines, applicants must make an appointment before visiting the office, by calling 518-434-5300. Payments must be made by credit card or check, cash will not be accepted.

Information Packet

A Basic Creek Reservoir information packet will be supplied to each permit holder. The information supplied in this packet will include the rules and regulations of the reservoir, a map of the recreation area, and information regarding fishing, invasive species, carry in-carry out, and other items of interest.

Permit for Fishing & Regulations

If the permit will be utilized for access to the Basic Creek Reservoir for fishing, a valid NY State Fishing License is also required.

All permit holders should look over the information and familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of the reservoir as any violations to them will result in the forfeit of their permit for at least two years and they will not be reimbursed for the permit fee.

The Basic Creek Reservoir is a "Carry In - Carry Out" facility. Ice fishing, swimming and wading is not permitted. Pets are never allowed in the water.

Fees for 2 Year Permit

• City of Albany Resident: $10 (with proof of residence)
• Non-City Resident: $20
• 16 Years and Under: Free

For More Information

For information and to obtain the Basic Creek Reservoir Access Permit please call 518-434-5300 or by email.

View the Basic Creek Reservoir Access Permit Application (PDF).

Patrol of the Basic Creek Reservoir

The Reservoir will be patrolled from dawn to dusk on a daily basis throughout the year. Guards check permits daily. The guards are required to document all persons checked and note:

• Address
• Date of permit expiration
• Full name
• Reason for recreating
• Valid or expired permit

If a permit holder has been found to violate any of the rules or regulations, they will be given a warning for the first offense and asked to leave the premises immediately. If the permit holder has had a previous offense, their permit will be taken, they will be asked to leave the premises immediately and informed that they have forfeited their permit for two years. Offenses include, but are not limited to: not having a current Access Permit, overfishing and littering.

The guards patrolling Basic Creek Reservoir will be supplied with an updated permit list weekly, including any violators.