Hemlock Lake Fish Stocking
Livingston County, New York · 2011–2025 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Hemlock Lake was last stocked October 2025 with Lake Trout. Hemlock Lake has 31 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2025, with about 145,428 fish stocked over that period.
When Hemlock Lake is stocked
Hemlock Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in October — 16 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hemlock Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Livingston County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Hemlock 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 Hemlock 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 Hemlock 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.
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.
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 Hemlock 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Hemlock Lake, freshest activity first.
Trout Lake
6 miSt Lawrence County · 3 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2026
Neversink River
10 miSULLIVAN County · 3 species · 194 records
Last stocked May 2026
Mongaup Falls Reservoir
4 miSullivan County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked April 2026
Mongaup River
6 miSullivan County · 1 species · 32 records
Last stocked April 2026
Panther Pond
3 miHamilton County · 1 species · 29 records
Last stocked October 2025
Trout Pond
4 miLewis County · 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 6.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2025 | Lake Trout | 2,910 | 8.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2024 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 6.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2024 | Lake Trout | 2,500 | 8.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2023 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 6.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Lake Trout | 3,090 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2022 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 6.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2022 | Lake Trout | 3,200 | 7.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 23 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2021 | Brook Trout | 388 | 19.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2021 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Lake Trout | 3,060 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2020 | Lake Trout | 6,020 | 6.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2020 | Lake Trout | 3,060 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2019 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 5.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2019 | Lake Trout | 3,200 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2018 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2018 | Lake Trout | 3,200 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2017 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 6.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2017 | Lake Trout | 3,200 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2016 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2016 | Lake Trout | 3,200 | 8.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2015 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 5.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2015 | Lake Trout | 3,200 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2014 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 5.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Lake Trout | 3,200 | 9.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2013 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 6.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2013 | Lake Trout | 3,200 | 8.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2012 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 6.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2012 | Lake Trout | 3,200 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2011 | Lake Trout | 6,600 | 5.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2011 | Lake Trout | 3,200 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hemlock Lake last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Hemlock Lake was last stocked October 2025 with Lake Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hemlock Lake?
Hemlock Lake is stocked with Lake Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Hemlock Lake stocked?
Hemlock Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in October.
How often is Hemlock Lake stocked?
Hemlock Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 31 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Hemlock Lake?
About 145,428 fish have been stocked in Hemlock Lake across 31 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hemlock Lake?
Fish stocked in Hemlock Lake average about 7.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hemlock 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 Hemlock Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Hemlock 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.