Big Pond Fish Stocking
Delaware County, New York · 2011–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Big Pond was last stocked 2026 with Brown Trout. Big Pond has 153 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 22,985 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Pond is stocked
Big Pond is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in September — 59 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Pond
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Delaware County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Big 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 Big Pond was last stocked 2026, 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 Big 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Recommended Tackle for Big 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 Big Pond, freshest activity first.
Neversink River
8 miSULLIVAN County · 3 species · 194 records
Last stocked May 2026
Trout Lake
8 miSt Lawrence County · 3 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2026
Mongaup River
6 miSullivan County · 1 species · 32 records
Last stocked April 2026
Mongaup Falls Reservoir
8 miSullivan County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked April 2026
Rutgers Creek
14 miOrange County · 2 species · 45 records
Last stocked March 2026
Hemlock Lake
4 miLivingston County · 2 species · 31 records
Last stocked October 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Brown Trout | 230 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 260 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2025 | Brown Trout | 456 | 17.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2025 | Brown Trout | 361 | 14.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2025 | Brown Trout | 185 | 14.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2025 | Brown Trout | 197 | 14.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2025 | Brown Trout | 232 | 17.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2025 | Brown Trout | 168 | 14.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | Brown Trout | 160 | 17.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 260 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 220 | 7.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2024 | Brown Trout | 113 | 17.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2024 | Brown Trout | 119 | 13.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2024 | Brown Trout | 122 | 17.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2024 | Brown Trout | 180 | 14.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2024 | Brown Trout | 201 | 17.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2024 | Brown Trout | 200 | 13.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 260 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Brown Trout | 230 | 8.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brown Trout | 103 | 17.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brown Trout | 270 | 17.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brown Trout | 104 | 14.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brown Trout | 38 | 17.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brown Trout | 170 | 14.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brown Trout | 38 | 20.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brown Trout | 170 | 14.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2023 | Brown Trout | 30 | 20.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2023 | Brown Trout | 33 | 14.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Brown Trout | 210 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2022 | Brown Trout | 100 | 13" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2022 | Brown Trout | 847 | 17" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2021 | Brown Trout | 200 | 15.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2021 | Brown Trout | 309 | 15.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2021 | Brown Trout | 292 | 20.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2021 | Brown Trout | 151 | 15.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2021 | Brown Trout | 21 | 20.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 220 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Brown Trout | 230 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brown Trout | 300 | 17" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brown Trout | 180 | 17" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brown Trout | 110 | 17" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brown Trout | 170 | 20.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brown Trout | 105 | 20.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brown Trout | 150 | 20.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2020 | Brown Trout | 50 | 17" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2020 | Brown Trout | 50 | 20.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2020 | Brown Trout | 110 | 20.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2020 | Brown Trout | 120 | 17" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 153 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Big Pond last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Big Pond was last stocked 2026 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Pond?
Big Pond is stocked with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Big Pond stocked?
Big Pond is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in September.
How often is Big Pond stocked?
Big Pond has been stocked about 10 times a year — 153 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Pond?
About 22,985 fish have been stocked in Big Pond across 153 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Pond?
Fish stocked in Big Pond average about 14.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big 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 Big Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Big 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.