Limekiln Lake Fish Stocking
Hamilton County, New York · 2011–2025 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Limekiln Lake was last stocked November 2025 with Splake. Limekiln Lake has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2025, with about 33,680 fish stocked over that period.
When Limekiln Lake is stocked
Limekiln Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Limekiln Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Hamilton County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Limekiln 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 Limekiln Lake was last stocked November 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 Limekiln 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.
Splake Profile Tips
Managed purely as a put-and-take hatchery fishery — splake do not naturally reproduce.
Recommended Tackle for Limekiln 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.
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 Limekiln Lake, freshest activity first.
Quiver Pond
4 miHerkimer County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked April 2026
Twin Pond
7 miSuffolk County · 2 species · 47 records
Last stocked March 2026
Bubb Lake
5 miHerkimer County · 1 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2025
Bug Lake
5 miHamilton County · 1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2025
Horseshoe Pond
6 miSt Lawrence County · 2 species · 51 records
Last stocked September 2025
Lost Ponds
7 miHamilton County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | Splake | 1,000 | 5.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Splake | 2,410 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2024 | Splake | 1,500 | 5.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Splake | 2,020 | 8.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2023 | Splake | 1,860 | 8.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2022 | Splake | 3,500 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Splake | 880 | 8.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2020 | Splake | 2,000 | 7.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2019 | Splake | 2,000 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2018 | Splake | 2,000 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2017 | Splake | 2,000 | 5.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2017 | Splake | 1,420 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2016 | Splake | 1,690 | 8.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2015 | Splake | 1,820 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Splake | 2,000 | 8.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2013 | Splake | 2,000 | 7.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2012 | Splake | 1,580 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2011 | Splake | 2,000 | 7.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Limekiln Lake last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Limekiln Lake was last stocked November 2025 with Splake.
What fish species are stocked in Limekiln Lake?
Limekiln Lake is stocked with Splake.
What time of year is Limekiln Lake stocked?
Limekiln Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Limekiln Lake stocked?
Limekiln Lake has been stocked about 1 times a year — 18 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Limekiln Lake?
About 33,680 fish have been stocked in Limekiln Lake across 18 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Limekiln Lake?
Fish stocked in Limekiln Lake average about 7.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Limekiln 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 Limekiln Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Limekiln 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.