Henderson Lake Fish Stocking
Essex County, New York · 2011–2025 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Henderson Lake was last stocked September 2025 with Brook Trout. Henderson Lake has 27 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2025, with about 69,701 fish stocked over that period.
When Henderson Lake is stocked
Henderson Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in May — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Henderson Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Essex County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Henderson 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 Henderson Lake was last stocked September 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 Henderson 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.
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 Henderson 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 Henderson Lake, freshest activity first.
South Meadow Brook
9 miEssex County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 2026
Upper Cascade Lake
13 miEssex County · 1 species · 29 records
Last stocked October 2025
Bradley Pond
2 miEssex County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 2025
Avalanche Lake
6 miEssex County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 2025
Latham Pond
9 miEssex County · 1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2025
Little Ampersand Pond
13 miFranklin County · 1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Brook Trout | 4,700 | 4.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Lake Trout | 860 | 6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2024 | Brook Trout | 4,700 | 4.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Lake Trout | 720 | 6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2023 | Brook Trout | 4,700 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2022 | Brook Trout | 4,700 | 4.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2022 | Lake Trout | 830 | 6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Brown Trout | 880 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 19 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2021 | Brook Trout | 4,700 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2020 | Brook Trout | 3,055 | 4.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2020 | Lake Trout | 830 | 6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2019 | Brook Trout | 5,640 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2019 | Lake Trout | 780 | 6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2018 | Brook Trout | 3,750 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2018 | Lake Trout | 830 | 7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2017 | Brook Trout | 4,700 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2017 | Lake Trout | 830 | 6.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2016 | Brook Trout | 4,700 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2016 | Lake Trout | 830 | 7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2015 | Brook Trout | 5,050 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2015 | Lake Trout | 830 | 6.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2014 | Brook Trout | 4,700 | 3.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Lake Trout | 830 | 6.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2013 | Lake Trout | 600 | 7.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2012 | Brook Trout | 1,266 | 4.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2011 | Brook Trout | 3,300 | 5.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2011 | Lake Trout | 390 | 6.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Henderson Lake last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Henderson Lake was last stocked September 2025 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Henderson Lake?
Henderson Lake is stocked with Brook Trout, Lake Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Henderson Lake stocked?
Henderson Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in May.
How often is Henderson Lake stocked?
Henderson Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 27 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Henderson Lake?
About 69,701 fish have been stocked in Henderson Lake across 27 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Henderson Lake?
Fish stocked in Henderson Lake average about 5.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Henderson 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 Henderson Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Henderson 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.