Freedom to fish and more in Fayetteville

With hectic schedules and heavy workloads, we all welcome the weekend as a time to relax, but sometimes it’s nice to part ways with the Hill. When the next sunny streak rolls around, trade a day of sunbathing in Thornden Park for a much-needed break from campus.

Just a quick 15-minute drive from SU, scenic Spring Ponds Fishery in Fayetteville offers up five fresh spring-water ponds for experienced fishers, and their novice friends.

After 39 years in business, Susan Hullar, decided to take over for her father so visitors could continue to enjoy the property she grew up on.

Bring your own fishing rod or rent one for $2. Then try your hand at catching one of the 25,000 rainbow trout, which you don’t need a license to fish. She’ll even help first-timers cast their first line.

“I get to see it over and over and I never get tired of it,” Hullar said.

Once caught, the trout go for $5 a pound, which Hullar comments is "cheaper than Wegmans.”

Located on Highbridge Street, Spring Ponds is just a few minutes away from the supermarket, but offers up a fun day-trip to catch your fish and eat it too. And for the squeamish, she cleans the fish for 50 cents a pop, right after you reel it in.

Hullar invites anglers to use her grill on site and picnic under the pavilion. She says students can host graduation parties at Spring Ponds, too. She welcomes guests to use the grounds as they please. Make a day of it and pack a lunch, cards, and iPod speakers. Catch some extra trout and Hullar will put it on ice to take with you. Bake the fresh fish or roll it in a few sheets of nori for an at-home sushi night.

Spring Ponds opens to visitors from 9 am. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, or during the week by appointment. Since the ponds hold fresh spring water, they don’t freeze, which means you can even fish in your ankle-length coat and mittens throughout the winter months.