Kensico Reservoir Fish Stocking
Westchester County, New York · 2011–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Kensico Reservoir was last stocked April 2026 with Brown Trout. Kensico Reservoir has 17 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 139,820 fish stocked over that period.
When Kensico Reservoir is stocked
Kensico Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kensico Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Westchester County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Kensico Reservoir, 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 Kensico Reservoir 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 Kensico Reservoir:
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.
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 Kensico Reservoir
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 Kensico Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Croton River East Branch
9 miPutnam County · 2 species · 166 records
Last stocked May 2026
Croton River West Branch
9 miPutnam County · 1 species · 106 records
Last stocked May 2026
North Brook
8 miCayuga County · 1 species · 24 records
Last stocked April 2026
Pocantico River
6 miWestchester County · 1 species · 30 records
Last stocked March 2026
Croton River
9 miWestchester County · 2 species · 41 records
Last stocked March 2026
Deer Pond
10 miSt Lawrence County · 3 species · 70 records
Last stocked September 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | Brown Trout | 9,010 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 8,920 | 6.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Brown Trout | 9,100 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Brown Trout | 8,500 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2021 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 7.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2021 | Brown Trout | 9,300 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2020 | Brown Trout | 7,360 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2019 | Brown Trout | 8,860 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 9 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2018 | Brown Trout | 8,700 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| December 2016 | Brown Trout | 8,620 | 0" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2016 | Brown Trout | 8,620 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2015 | Brown Trout | 8,560 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2014 | Brown Trout | 8,790 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2013 | Brown Trout | 7,270 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2012 | Brown Trout | 8,870 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2011 | Lake Trout | 900 | 6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2011 | Brown Trout | 8,440 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Kensico Reservoir last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Kensico Reservoir was last stocked April 2026 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Kensico Reservoir?
Kensico Reservoir is stocked with Brown Trout and Lake Trout.
What time of year is Kensico Reservoir stocked?
Kensico Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Kensico Reservoir stocked?
Kensico Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 17 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Kensico Reservoir?
About 139,820 fish have been stocked in Kensico Reservoir across 17 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kensico Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Kensico Reservoir average about 7.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kensico Reservoir?
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 Kensico Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Kensico Reservoir 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.