Watch a clip about aerial fish stocking in New York's waters and check out other clips on DEC's YouTube Channel.
Review a list of waters anticipated to be stocked with yearling and older trout for the spring fishing season beginning April 1 each year. This information is typically updated around mid-March each year.
Review stocking information on the freshwater fish species and numbers that were released in waters statewide. All DEC hatchery stocking data, as well as municipality run hatchery stocking data from Essex, Onondaga, and Warren counties are included. The links below do not include the current year as actual stocking data is not finalized and compiled until the end of the calendar year. This information is typically updated around mid-may each year.
Breeding and rearing fish is a large task that requires precise methods and specialized equipment and facilities. There are 12 DEC Fish Hatcheries statewide, each specializing in raising one or more species of fish, including: brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, steelhead, chinook salmon, coho salmon, landlocked salmon, walleye, muskellunge, and tiger muskellunge.
Walleye Egg Take
Walk through a step-by-step process on how DEC breeds and rears walleye to a stockable size.
Fisheries Management Surveys and Reports
Review DEC survey reports generated by Fisheries biologists statewide. The surveys help biologists make informed decisions on the numbers and types of species to be stocked to maintain sustainable fish populations and support recreational fisheries.
Private Fish Stocking
Find details on licenses and requirements when privately stocking ponds, lakes, and streams. The information on this page is for landowners and groups/organizations wishing to stock their waters usually for recreational fishing purposes or for controlling nuisance aquatic species.