Lake Ontario Fish Stocking
Wayne County, New York · 2011–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Lake Ontario was last stocked May 2026 with Brown Trout. Lake Ontario has 611 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 15,017,494 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Ontario is stocked
Lake Ontario is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 365 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Ontario
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Wayne County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Lake Ontario, 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 Lake Ontario was last stocked May 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 Lake Ontario:
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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Landlocked Salmon Profile Tips
A classic New York coldwater fishery, often trolled with streamers behind cooler water strata.
Recommended Tackle for Lake Ontario
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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Lake Ontario, freshest activity first.
Sandy Creek North Branch
28 miJefferson County · 1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 2026
Genesee River
28 miMonroe County · 6 species · 378 records
Last stocked May 2026
Oatka Creek
43 miWyoming County · 3 species · 229 records
Last stocked May 2026
Blue Pond
42 miSt Lawrence County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2025
Waterport Reservoir
32 miOrleans County · 1 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2025
Irondequoit Creek
35 miMonroe County · 3 species · 120 records
Last stocked May 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 49,290 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 29,260 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 32,860 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 22,790 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 37,100 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 72,930 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 48,650 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 37,100 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 10,600 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 22,790 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 21,840 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 37,100 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 49,400 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2025 | Brown Trout | 12,130 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2025 | Brown Trout | 16,870 | 6.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 34,100 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 22,660 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 30,360 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Landlocked Salmon | 20,630 | 6.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 75,680 | 6.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 11,000 | 6.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Lake Trout | 31,812 | 7.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 25,630 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 25,630 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 23,650 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 50,490 | 7.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 25,630 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brown Trout | 38,500 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 38,500 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 23,650 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 19,250 | 7.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 25,520 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Lake Trout | 39,600 | 7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Landlocked Salmon | 10,000 | 7.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 22,470 | 7.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 14,980 | 7.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Landlocked Salmon | 40,000 | 6.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 4,500 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 14,980 | 7.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 33,170 | 7.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 37,450 | 7.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Lake Trout | 39,661 | 6.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Lake Trout | 39,610 | 6.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 14,760 | 7.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 14,770 | 7.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 22,040 | 7.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 49,110 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 3,981 | 7.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 17,130 | 7.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Brown Trout | 24,930 | 7.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Ontario last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Lake Ontario was last stocked May 2026 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Ontario?
Lake Ontario is stocked with Brown Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout, Lake Sturgeon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Lake Herring (Cisco).
What time of year is Lake Ontario stocked?
Lake Ontario is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Lake Ontario stocked?
Lake Ontario has been stocked about 38 times a year — 611 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Ontario?
About 15,017,494 fish have been stocked in Lake Ontario across 611 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lake Ontario?
Fish stocked in Lake Ontario average about 7.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Ontario?
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 Lake Ontario?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Ontario 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.