Bear Lake Fish Stocking
Hamilton County, New York · 2011–2025 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Bear Lake was last stocked October 2025 with Muskellunge. Bear Lake has 35 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2025, with about 111,479 fish stocked over that period.
When Bear Lake is stocked
Bear Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in October — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bear Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Hamilton County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Bear Lake, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Bear Lake was last stocked October 2025, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid New York freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase New York license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by New York fish & wildlife agency.Official New York regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Bear Lake:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Muskellunge Profile Tips
Known as 'the fish of ten thousand casts' for its low catch rate; a dedicated trophy fishery with strict length limits in most New York waters.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Bear Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Bear Lake, freshest activity first.
Upper Lake
3 miSuffolk County · 2 species · 128 records
Last stocked May 2026
Cattaraugus Creek
20 miWyoming County · 4 species · 210 records
Last stocked May 2026
Beaver Creek
8 miMadison County · 1 species · 36 records
Last stocked April 2026
Canadaway Creek
9 miChautauqua County · 4 species · 55 records
Last stocked April 2026
Clay Pond
19 miChautauqua County · 3 species · 29 records
Last stocked April 2026
Middle Cassadaga Lake
3 miChautauqua County · 2 species · 18 records
Last stocked October 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2024 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2024 | Brook Trout | 400 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2023 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brook Trout | 400 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2023 | Walleye | 2,300 | 1.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2022 | Muskellunge | 410 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2022 | Brook Trout | 400 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 27 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2022 | Muskellunge | 5,000 | 1.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2022 | Muskellunge | 77,600 | 0.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2021 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2021 | Brook Trout | 400 | 3.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2021 | Walleye | 3,344 | 1.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brook Trout | 260 | 4.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2019 | Muskellunge | 550 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2019 | Brook Trout | 400 | 4.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2019 | Walleye | 2,330 | 1.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2018 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2018 | Brook Trout | 320 | 5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2017 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2017 | Brook Trout | 400 | 5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2017 | Walleye | 2,315 | 1.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2016 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2015 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2015 | Brook Trout | 400 | 4.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2015 | Walleye | 2,300 | 1.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2014 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2014 | Brook Trout | 400 | 3.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2013 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2013 | Brook Trout | 200 | 3.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2013 | Walleye | 2,300 | 1.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2012 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2011 | Muskellunge | 550 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2011 | Brook Trout | 150 | 4.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2011 | Walleye | 2,300 | 1.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Bear Lake last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Bear Lake was last stocked October 2025 with Muskellunge.
What fish species are stocked in Bear Lake?
Bear Lake is stocked with Muskellunge, Brook Trout, and Walleye.
What time of year is Bear Lake stocked?
Bear Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in October.
How often is Bear Lake stocked?
Bear Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 35 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Bear Lake?
About 111,479 fish have been stocked in Bear Lake across 35 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bear Lake?
Fish stocked in Bear Lake average about 5.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bear Lake?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid New York freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from New York fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Bear Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Bear Lake typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.