Trout Fishing In Western New York

Stocked Trout Streams

Each spring, thousands of yearling brown, brook and rainbow trout raised at DEC Fish Hatcheries are stocked in over 50 streams in the region. In addition, select streams are also supplemented with 2-year old brown trout that average 12-15 inches long. The most popular and heavily stocked streams in the region include the Genesee River and Cattaraugus, Ischua, East Koy and Goose creeks. See the Spring Stocking List for a complete list of the streams stocked near you.

Wild Trout Streams

For some anglers, there is nothing finer than catching a brilliantly colored wild trout. Anglers have excellent opportunity to catch wild brown, brook and rainbow trout in western New York, especially in Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties. Wild trout tend to be more finicky than stocked trout, and they can be a challenge to catch. Streams designated as wild trout streams are not stocked. Since these streams are supported wholly by natural reproduction, anglers are urged to practice catch and release.

Stocked Trout Ponds and Lakes

Several Lakes and ponds in the region are stocked with trout each spring. The most substantial yearling trout stockings occur in Allegany County and Cattaraugus County in Allen, Rushford, Case, Harwood, New Albion, Quaker and Red House Lakes. Most of these lakes also receive 2-year old brown trout in spring and are usually supplemented with surplus broodstock trout in the fall. Trout fishing is best on these ponds and lakes in the spring. These waters also support warm-water fish communities that include bass, yellow perch and sunfish which provide good fishing in the summertime.

Lakes and Ponds Stocked with Trout in Western New York

Steelhead Streams

Western New York offers steelhead anglers an abundance of opportunities from the mighty Lower Niagara River to Cattaraugus Creek to various other tributaries to Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. DEC stocking programs and natural reproduction support the tremendous runs of steelhead that occur from October through April each year. Additional information is available for Steelhead Fishing in Lake Erie tributaries.

Steelhead Streams in Western New York