Canandaigua Lake Fish Stocking
Ontario County, New York · 2011–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Canandaigua Lake was last stocked 2026 with Brown Trout. Canandaigua Lake has 50 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 718,760 fish stocked over that period.
When Canandaigua Lake is stocked
Canandaigua Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 16 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Canandaigua Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Ontario County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Canandaigua 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 Canandaigua Lake 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 Canandaigua 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Lake Trout Profile Tips
Typically targeted by deep trolling or jigging; older individuals can be true trophies given the species' slow growth and long lifespan.
Recommended Tackle for Canandaigua 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.
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 Canandaigua Lake, freshest activity first.
Springwater Creek
17 miLivingston County · 1 species · 8 records
Last stocked May 2026
Keuka Lake Outlet
19 miYates County · 2 species · 32 records
Last stocked April 2026
Canandaigua Outlet
25 miOntario County · 2 species · 60 records
Last stocked March 2026
Seneca Lake
18 miYates County · 3 species · 83 records
Last stocked October 2025
Keuka Lake
21 miYates County · 3 species · 28 records
Last stocked October 2025
Bullhead Pond
21 miHamilton County · 2 species · 24 records
Last stocked September 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Brown Trout | 7,210 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2025 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 6.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 7,140 | 7.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2025 | Lake Trout | 11,000 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2024 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 6.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Lake Trout | 9,440 | 7.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Brown Trout | 7,280 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2023 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 6.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2023 | Brown Trout | 6,800 | 7.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Lake Trout | 11,680 | 8.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2022 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 6.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2022 | Lake Trout | 12,100 | 7.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2021 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 5.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2021 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | 9.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2021 | Brown Trout | 18,000 | 2.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Lake Trout | 11,560 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Brown Trout | 7,440 | 7.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2020 | Lake Trout | 22,000 | 6.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2020 | Brown Trout | 38,660 | 3.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2020 | Lake Trout | 11,560 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2020 | Brown Trout | 9,600 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2019 | Brown Trout | 17,450 | 6.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2019 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 5.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2019 | Brown Trout | 7,090 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2019 | Lake Trout | 12,100 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2018 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 5.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2018 | Brown Trout | 6,960 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2018 | Lake Trout | 12,100 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2017 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2017 | Brown Trout | 6,600 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2017 | Lake Trout | 12,100 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2016 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 6.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2016 | Brown Trout | 6,900 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2016 | Lake Trout | 12,100 | 8.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2015 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 6.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2015 | Brown Trout | 6,850 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2015 | Lake Trout | 12,100 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2014 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 5.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Brown Trout | 6,890 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2014 | Lake Trout | 12,100 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2013 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 6.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2013 | Brown Trout | 5,910 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2013 | Lake Trout | 12,100 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2012 | Lake Trout | 12,100 | 6.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2012 | Lake Trout | 12,000 | 6.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2012 | Brown Trout | 7,090 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2012 | Lake Trout | 12,100 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2011 | Lake Trout | 24,100 | 5.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2011 | Brown Trout | 6,750 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2011 | Lake Trout | 12,100 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Canandaigua Lake last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Canandaigua Lake was last stocked 2026 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Canandaigua Lake?
Canandaigua Lake is stocked with Brown Trout and Lake Trout.
What time of year is Canandaigua Lake stocked?
Canandaigua Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Canandaigua Lake stocked?
Canandaigua Lake has been stocked about 3 times a year — 50 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Canandaigua Lake?
About 718,760 fish have been stocked in Canandaigua Lake across 50 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Canandaigua Lake?
Fish stocked in Canandaigua Lake average about 7.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Canandaigua 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 Canandaigua Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Canandaigua 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.