Cranberry Lake Fish Stocking
St Lawrence County, New York · 2011–2025 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Cranberry Lake was last stocked October 2025 with Brook Trout. Cranberry Lake has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2025, with about 198,840 fish stocked over that period.
When Cranberry Lake is stocked
Cranberry Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in May — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cranberry Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in St Lawrence County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Cranberry 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 Cranberry Lake was last stocked October 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 Cranberry 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.
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 Cranberry 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 Cranberry Lake, freshest activity first.
Rondout Reservoir
8 miUlster County · 2 species · 18 records
Last stocked June 2026
Beer Kill
5 miUlster County · 1 species · 41 records
Last stocked April 2026
Sandburg Creek
6 miUlster County · 1 species · 136 records
Last stocked April 2026
Vernooy Kill
8 miUlster County · 2 species · 51 records
Last stocked April 2026
Loch Sheldrake
10 miSullivan County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked April 2026
Neversink Reservoir
12 miSullivan County · 2 species · 35 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | Brook Trout | 15,890 | 4.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2024 | Brook Trout | 8,000 | 6.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2024 | Brook Trout | 15,660 | 5.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2024 | Brook Trout | 12,450 | 4.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2024 | Brook Trout | 4,400 | 3.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brook Trout | 9,500 | 2.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2023 | Brook Trout | 4,500 | 6.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2022 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 4.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2022 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2021 | Brook Trout | 3,360 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2020 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 4.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2019 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2019 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2018 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2017 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2016 | Brook Trout | 6,000 | 0" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2016 | Brook Trout | 5,580 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2015 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 4.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2015 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2015 | Brook Trout | 6,120 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2013 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2012 | Brook Trout | 6,730 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2011 | Brook Trout | 4,650 | 10.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Cranberry Lake last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Cranberry Lake was last stocked October 2025 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cranberry Lake?
Cranberry Lake is stocked with Brook Trout.
What time of year is Cranberry Lake stocked?
Cranberry Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in May.
How often is Cranberry Lake stocked?
Cranberry Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 24 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Cranberry Lake?
About 198,840 fish have been stocked in Cranberry Lake across 24 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cranberry Lake?
Fish stocked in Cranberry Lake average about 6.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cranberry 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 Cranberry Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Cranberry 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.