Butternut creek Fish Stocking
Onondaga County, New York · 2022–2025 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Butternut creek was last stocked April 2025 with Brown Trout. Butternut creek has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 2022–2025, with about 14,000 fish stocked over that period.
When Butternut creek is stocked
Butternut creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Butternut creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Onondaga County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Butternut creek, 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 Butternut creek was last stocked April 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 Butternut creek:
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.
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 Butternut creek
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Butternut creek, freshest activity first.
Chittenango Creek
6 miOnondaga County · 2 species · 273 records
Last stocked May 2026
Evergreen Lake
6 miHerkimer County · 1 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2025
Jamesville Reservoir
9 miOnondaga County · 2 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2025
Oneida Lake
9 miOswego County · 2 species · 27 records
Last stocked May 2025
Harbor Brook
10 miOnondaga County · 2 species · 28 records
Last stocked May 2025
Butternut Creek
0 miOtsego County · 2 species · 167 records
Last stocked April 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 900 | 7.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 600 | 13.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brook Trout | 450 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 1,000 | 12.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Brown Trout | 600 | 12.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Brown Trout | 1,800 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Brook Trout | 1,350 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Brown Trout | 3,100 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2022 | Brown Trout | 1,200 | 12" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2022 | Brown Trout | 1,800 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2022 | Brook Trout | 600 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2022 | Brown Trout | 600 | 12" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Butternut creek last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Butternut creek was last stocked April 2025 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Butternut creek?
Butternut creek is stocked with Brown Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Butternut creek stocked?
Butternut creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Butternut creek stocked?
Butternut creek has been stocked about 3 times a year — 12 recorded stockings between 2022 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Butternut creek?
About 14,000 fish have been stocked in Butternut creek across 12 recorded events since 2022, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Butternut creek?
Fish stocked in Butternut creek average about 10.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Butternut creek?
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 Butternut creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Butternut creek 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.