Shawangunk Kill Fish Stocking
Orange County, New York · 2011–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Shawangunk Kill was last stocked March 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Shawangunk Kill has 72 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 77,450 fish stocked over that period.
When Shawangunk Kill is stocked
Shawangunk Kill is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 64 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Shawangunk Kill
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Orange County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Shawangunk Kill, 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 Shawangunk Kill was last stocked March 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 Shawangunk Kill:
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.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Shawangunk Kill
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 Shawangunk Kill, freshest activity first.
Third Lake
15 miHerkimer County · 3 species · 45 records
Last stocked May 2026
Vernooy Kill
10 miUlster County · 2 species · 51 records
Last stocked April 2026
Sandburg Creek
11 miUlster County · 1 species · 136 records
Last stocked April 2026
Beer Kill
12 miUlster County · 1 species · 41 records
Last stocked April 2026
Crum Elbow Creek
13 miDutchess County · 2 species · 64 records
Last stocked March 2026
Fishkill Creek
17 miDutchess County · 1 species · 134 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 320 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 40 | 12" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | 11.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | 8.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | 11.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | 8.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,180 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 180 | 11" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,640 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 130 | 11" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,190 | 9.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 130 | 11.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,640 | 9.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 180 | 11.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 310 | 11.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,830 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 130 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 180 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,190 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,640 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,290 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 420 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,780 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2020 | Brown Trout | 100 | 12.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2020 | Brown Trout | 280 | 12.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2020 | Brown Trout | 1,100 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,700 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2019 | Brown Trout | 100 | 13.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2019 | Brown Trout | 280 | 13.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2019 | Brown Trout | 1,330 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2018 | Brown Trout | 1,300 | 9.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,870 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,390 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2018 | Brown Trout | 280 | 13" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2018 | Brown Trout | 100 | 13" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2017 | Brown Trout | 1,240 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2017 | Brown Trout | 100 | 13" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2017 | Brown Trout | 280 | 13" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 3,700 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 3,700 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2016 | Brown Trout | 280 | 13.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2016 | Brown Trout | 100 | 13.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2016 | Brown Trout | 1,290 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 3,700 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2015 | Brown Trout | 280 | 13.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 72 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Shawangunk Kill last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Shawangunk Kill was last stocked March 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Shawangunk Kill?
Shawangunk Kill is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Shawangunk Kill stocked?
Shawangunk Kill is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Shawangunk Kill stocked?
Shawangunk Kill has been stocked about 5 times a year — 72 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Shawangunk Kill?
About 77,450 fish have been stocked in Shawangunk Kill across 72 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Shawangunk Kill?
Fish stocked in Shawangunk Kill average about 10.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Shawangunk Kill?
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 Shawangunk Kill?
Freshly stocked trout in Shawangunk Kill 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.