Forks Creek Fish Stocking
Cattaraugus County, New York · 2011–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Forks Creek was last stocked April 2026 with Brown Trout. Forks Creek has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 25,540 fish stocked over that period.
When Forks Creek is stocked
Forks Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Forks Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Cattaraugus County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Forks 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 Forks Creek 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 Forks 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.
Recommended Tackle for Forks 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.
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 Forks Creek, freshest activity first.
Red House Lake
10 miCattaraugus County · 3 species · 69 records
Last stocked May 2026
Great Valley Creek
6 miCattaraugus County · 2 species · 51 records
Last stocked April 2026
Mansfield Creek
13 miCattaraugus County · 1 species · 30 records
Last stocked April 2026
Science Lake
16 miCattaraugus County · 2 species · 30 records
Last stocked April 2026
Red House Brook
13 miCattaraugus County · 3 species · 55 records
Last stocked March 2026
Ischua Creek
13 miCattaraugus County · 3 species · 129 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 | 40 | 12" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2026 | Brown Trout | 320 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Brown Trout | 1,110 | 9.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Brown Trout | 130 | 13.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Brown Trout | 120 | 13.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Brown Trout | 1,110 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Brown Trout | 120 | 14" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Brown Trout | 1,110 | 9.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2021 | Brown Trout | 120 | 13.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Brown Trout | 1,110 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2020 | Brown Trout | 1,180 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2019 | Brown Trout | 800 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2019 | Brown Trout | 1,420 | 8.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2018 | Brown Trout | 780 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2018 | Brown Trout | 1,390 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2017 | Brown Trout | 740 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2017 | Brown Trout | 1,320 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2016 | Brown Trout | 780 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2016 | Brown Trout | 1,380 | 8.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2015 | Brown Trout | 770 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2015 | Brown Trout | 1,370 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Brown Trout | 770 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2014 | Brown Trout | 1,410 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2013 | Brown Trout | 650 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2013 | Brown Trout | 1,160 | 8.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2012 | Brown Trout | 800 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2012 | Brown Trout | 1,420 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2011 | Brown Trout | 760 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2011 | Brown Trout | 1,350 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Forks Creek last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Forks Creek was last stocked April 2026 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Forks Creek?
Forks Creek is stocked with Brown Trout.
What time of year is Forks Creek stocked?
Forks Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Forks Creek stocked?
Forks Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 29 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Forks Creek?
About 25,540 fish have been stocked in Forks Creek across 29 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Forks Creek?
Fish stocked in Forks Creek average about 9.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Forks 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 Forks Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Forks 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.