Spring 2026 · first stocking
First week of May
This spring's stocking is finished. DEC publishes next spring's plan in mid-March, and this page updates automatically.
At a glance
- Trout planned
- 720
- Species
- Brook Trout
- Stockings planned
- 2
- Towns
- Champion, Rutland
- Bag limit
- Streams: 5 trout a day, no more than 2 longer than 12 in (April 1 to Oct 15)
Spring 2026 stocking plan
| When | Species | Number | Size | Town |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First week of May | Brook Trout | 340 | 9-10 in | Champion |
| First week of May | Brook Trout | 380 | 9-10 in | Rutland |
From New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's spring stocking data, last checked 2026-11-03. Planned numbers and timing; actual stockings can differ.
Other stocked waters in Jefferson County
- Black CreekFirst week of May
- Black Creek West BranchFirst week of May
- Black RiverFirst week of May
- Jacobs CreekFirst week of May
- Lake OntarioMid May
- Millsite LakeSpring (week not set)
Tips for freshly stocked trout
- Go within a few days of a stocking. Stocked trout are easiest to catch before the crowds thin them out.
- Light line (4–6 lb) and small spinners work almost everywhere. Where bait is allowed, corn, salmon eggs or dough bait are simple and effective.
- DEC stocks most streams just before and after the April 1 harvest opener, so early April is prime time on stocked streams.
- Bring a valid New York fishing license unless you're exempt, and check the rules for this water before you keep fish.