Spring 2026 · first stocking
Second week of April
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
- 22,300
- Species
- Brown Trout, Brook Trout
- Stockings planned
- 11
- Towns
- Fairfield, Herkimer, Fairfield, Newport, Ohio
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second week of April | Brown Trout | 410 | 12-15 in | Fairfield, Newport |
| Second week of April | Brown Trout | 3,420 | 9-10 in | Fairfield, Newport |
| Third week of April | Brown Trout | 460 | 12-15 in | Fairfield, Herkimer |
| Third week of April | Brown Trout | 3,860 | 9-10 in | Fairfield, Herkimer |
| Fourth week of April | Brown Trout | 410 | 12-15 in | Fairfield, Newport |
| Fourth week of April | Brown Trout | 3,420 | 9-10 in | Fairfield, Newport |
| Fourth week of April | Brook Trout | 2,660 | 9-10 in | Ohio |
| Second week of May | Brown Trout | 410 | 12-15 in | Fairfield, Newport |
| Second week of May | Brown Trout | 3,420 | 9-10 in | Fairfield, Newport |
| Fourth week of May | Brown Trout | 410 | 12-15 in | Fairfield, Newport |
| Fourth week of May | Brown Trout | 3,420 | 9-10 in | Fairfield, Newport |
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 Herkimer County
- Beardsley LakeSpring (week not set)
- Fourth LakeSpring (week not set)
- Moss LakeSpring (week not set)
- Nicks LakeDuring May
- Old Forge PondDuring April
- Otsquago CreekFirst week of April
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.