Bear Pond Fish Stocking
Herkimer County, New York · 2011–2025 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Bear Pond was last stocked September 2025 with Brook Trout. Bear Pond has 55 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2025, with about 69,920 fish stocked over that period.
When Bear Pond is stocked
Bear Pond is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 36 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bear Pond
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Herkimer County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Bear Pond, 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 Pond was last stocked September 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 Pond:
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.
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 Pond
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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Bear Pond, freshest activity first.
Schroon River
9 miWarren County · 4 species · 363 records
Last stocked June 2026
Sacandaga River
10 miHamilton County · 1 species · 67 records
Last stocked May 2026
Snook Kill
12 miSaratoga County · 2 species · 32 records
Last stocked March 2026
Lake Luzerne
9 miWarren County · 2 species · 56 records
Last stocked October 2025
Gay Pond
8 miWarren County · 1 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2025
Inman Pond
8 miWashington County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Brook Trout | 300 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2025 | Brook Trout | 800 | 4.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2025 | Brook Trout | 2,800 | 4.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2025 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 4.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2024 | Brook Trout | 2,800 | 4.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2024 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 4.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2024 | Brook Trout | 300 | 3.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2024 | Brook Trout | 800 | 4.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2023 | Brook Trout | 800 | 4.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brook Trout | 2,800 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brook Trout | 300 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2022 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 4.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2022 | Brook Trout | 2,800 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2022 | Brook Trout | 800 | 4.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2022 | Brook Trout | 300 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2021 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2021 | Brook Trout | 2,800 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2021 | Brook Trout | 800 | 3.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2021 | Brook Trout | 300 | 3.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brook Trout | 520 | 3.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brook Trout | 1,820 | 4.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brook Trout | 910 | 4.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brook Trout | 190 | 4.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2019 | Brook Trout | 3,360 | 4.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2019 | Brook Trout | 300 | 4.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2019 | Brook Trout | 1,680 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2019 | Brook Trout | 960 | 4.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2018 | Brook Trout | 2,230 | 4.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2018 | Brook Trout | 240 | 5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2018 | Brook Trout | 640 | 4.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2018 | Brook Trout | 1,120 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2017 | Brook Trout | 2,800 | 5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2017 | Brook Trout | 800 | 4.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2017 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2017 | Brook Trout | 300 | 5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2016 | Brook Trout | 800 | 4.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2016 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 5.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2015 | Brook Trout | 800 | 4.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2015 | Brook Trout | 2,800 | 4.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2015 | Brook Trout | 300 | 4.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2015 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 4.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2014 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 4.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2014 | Brook Trout | 2,800 | 4.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2014 | Brook Trout | 800 | 3.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2013 | Brook Trout | 650 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2013 | Brook Trout | 1,850 | 4.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2013 | Brook Trout | 400 | 3.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2013 | Brook Trout | 200 | 3.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2012 | Brook Trout | 2,500 | 4.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 55 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Bear Pond last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Bear Pond was last stocked September 2025 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bear Pond?
Bear Pond is stocked with Brook Trout.
What time of year is Bear Pond stocked?
Bear Pond is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Bear Pond stocked?
Bear Pond has been stocked about 4 times a year — 55 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Bear Pond?
About 69,920 fish have been stocked in Bear Pond across 55 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bear Pond?
Fish stocked in Bear Pond average about 4.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bear Pond?
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 Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Bear Pond 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.