Springwater Creek Fish Stocking
Livingston County, New York · 2016–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Springwater Creek was last stocked May 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Springwater Creek has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 2016–2026, with about 33,200 fish stocked over that period.
When Springwater Creek is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Springwater Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Livingston County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Springwater Creek, 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 Springwater Creek 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 Springwater Creek:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Springwater Creek
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 Springwater Creek, freshest activity first.
Black Creek
16 miWashington County · 3 species · 120 records
Last stocked May 2026
Oatka Creek
25 miWyoming County · 3 species · 229 records
Last stocked May 2026
Canaseraga Creek
14 miSteuben County · 2 species · 85 records
Last stocked April 2026
Bennett Creek
17 miSteuben County · 1 species · 22 records
Last stocked April 2026
Canacadea Creek
23 miSteuben County · 2 species · 28 records
Last stocked April 2026
Canandaigua Lake
17 miOntario County · 2 species · 50 records
Last stocked October 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 5,200 | 0" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Springwater Creek last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Springwater Creek was last stocked May 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Springwater Creek?
Springwater Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Springwater Creek stocked?
Springwater Creek is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 2016 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Springwater Creek?
About 33,200 fish have been stocked in Springwater Creek across 8 recorded events since 2016, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Springwater Creek?
Fish stocked in Springwater Creek average about 5.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Springwater Creek?
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 Springwater Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Springwater Creek 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.