South Meadow Brook Fish Stocking
Essex County, New York · 2011–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, South Meadow Brook was last stocked May 2026 with Brook Trout. South Meadow Brook has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 7,280 fish stocked over that period.
When South Meadow Brook is stocked
South Meadow Brook is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for South Meadow Brook
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 South Meadow Brook, 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 South Meadow Brook 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 South Meadow Brook:
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.
Recommended Tackle for South Meadow Brook
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 South Meadow Brook, freshest activity first.
Deer River West Branch
9 miLewis County · 1 species · 13 records
Last stocked May 2026
East Lake
9 miSuffolk County · 2 species · 31 records
Last stocked April 2026
Upper Cascade Lake
4 miEssex County · 1 species · 29 records
Last stocked October 2025
Lower Cascade Lake
5 miEssex County · 2 species · 30 records
Last stocked October 2025
Avalanche Lake
4 miEssex County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 2025
Lake Placid
8 miEssex County · 2 species · 41 records
Last stocked June 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Brook Trout | 540 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Brook Trout | 350 | 9.53" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2023 | Brook Trout | 490 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2022 | Brook Trout | 490 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2021 | Brook Trout | 490 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2020 | Brook Trout | 380 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2019 | Brook Trout | 600 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2018 | Brook Trout | 600 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2017 | Brook Trout | 600 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2016 | Brook Trout | 480 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2015 | Brook Trout | 520 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Brook Trout | 600 | 8.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2012 | Brook Trout | 580 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2011 | Brook Trout | 560 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was South Meadow Brook last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, South Meadow Brook was last stocked May 2026 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in South Meadow Brook?
South Meadow Brook is stocked with Brook Trout.
What time of year is South Meadow Brook stocked?
South Meadow Brook is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is South Meadow Brook stocked?
South Meadow Brook is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in South Meadow Brook?
About 7,280 fish have been stocked in South Meadow Brook across 14 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in South Meadow Brook?
Fish stocked in South Meadow Brook average about 8.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish South Meadow Brook?
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 South Meadow Brook?
Freshly stocked trout in South Meadow Brook 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.