ALBANY COUNTY — Every year, the Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District holds a fish sale for the convenience of local pond owners. Private pond owners across the region may participate in the annual Fish Sale to stock their ponds with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, or forage fish, which are available to purchase at low cost.

“Adding a diversity of fish life is a great way to improve the overall health of a homeowner’s pond,” says a release from the conservation district. “Creating the proper balance of predator and prey fish will help maintain the algae, weeds, and nuisance insects along with adding plenty of fishing fun.”

Fish stocking requires a general permit from the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation.  These permits are free of charge and applications are available through the conservation district office.

Participants do not have to be residents of Albany County. Order forms for the Fall 2020 program are available on the conservation district’s website or by request and must be submitted to the office by Sept. 14.  Because of coronavirus restrictions, the office is open by appointment. Call 518-765-7923, email , or visit our website www.albanycounty.com/swcd for more information.