Chenango River Fish Stocking
Madison County, New York · 2011–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Chenango River was last stocked April 2026 with Brown Trout. Chenango River has 46 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 48,520 fish stocked over that period.
When Chenango River is stocked
Chenango River is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 38 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Chenango River
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Madison County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Chenango River, 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 Chenango River was last stocked April 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 Chenango River:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Chenango River
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 Chenango River, freshest activity first.
Chenango Lake
9 miChenango County · 2 species · 58 records
Last stocked May 2026
Nanticoke Lake
11 miBroome County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked May 2026
Sugar Creek
7 miLivingston County · 2 species · 16 records
Last stocked April 2026
Genegantslet Creek
15 miChenango County · 1 species · 119 records
Last stocked April 2026
Otselic River
17 miMadison County · 1 species · 137 records
Last stocked April 2026
Nanticoke Creek
9 miBroome County · 2 species · 90 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | Brown Trout | 110 | 12" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2026 | Brown Trout | 20 | 12" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2026 | Brown Trout | 160 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2026 | Brown Trout | 1,000 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 10 | 14.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 160 | 9.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 70 | 14.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 360 | 9.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 38 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 40 | 14.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 630 | 9.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Brown Trout | 2,540 | 9.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Brown Trout | 300 | 13.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Brown Trout | 2,540 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Brown Trout | 280 | 13.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Brown Trout | 280 | 14" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Brown Trout | 2,540 | 9.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Brown Trout | 280 | 13" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Brown Trout | 2,540 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2020 | Brown Trout | 900 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2020 | Brown Trout | 350 | 13.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2020 | Brown Trout | 2,430 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2020 | Brown Trout | 550 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2019 | Brown Trout | 660 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2019 | Brown Trout | 2,920 | 7.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2019 | Brown Trout | 350 | 12.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2018 | Brown Trout | 650 | 8.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2018 | Brown Trout | 350 | 11.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2018 | Brown Trout | 2,870 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2017 | Brown Trout | 620 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2017 | Brown Trout | 350 | 13" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2017 | Brown Trout | 2,720 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2015 | Brown Trout | 350 | 12.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2015 | Brown Trout | 2,820 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2015 | Brown Trout | 640 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Brown Trout | 650 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2014 | Brown Trout | 350 | 12.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2014 | Brown Trout | 2,900 | 7.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2013 | Brown Trout | 550 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2013 | Brown Trout | 350 | 11.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2013 | Brown Trout | 2,400 | 7.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2012 | Brown Trout | 670 | 9.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2012 | Brown Trout | 450 | 12.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2012 | Brown Trout | 2,930 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2011 | Brown Trout | 640 | 9.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2011 | Brown Trout | 450 | 13.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2011 | Brown Trout | 2,790 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Chenango River last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Chenango River was last stocked April 2026 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Chenango River?
Chenango River is stocked with Brown Trout.
What time of year is Chenango River stocked?
Chenango River is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Chenango River stocked?
Chenango River has been stocked about 3 times a year — 46 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Chenango River?
About 48,520 fish have been stocked in Chenango River across 46 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Chenango River?
Fish stocked in Chenango River average about 10.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Chenango River?
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 Chenango River?
Freshly stocked trout in Chenango River 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.