Sterling Creek Fish Stocking
Cayuga County, New York · 2011–2020 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Sterling Creek was last stocked March 2020 with Steelhead. Sterling Creek has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2020, with about 585,150 fish stocked over that period.
When Sterling Creek is stocked
Sterling Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Sterling Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Cayuga County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Sterling 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 Sterling Creek was last stocked March 2020, 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 Sterling 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.
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).
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Chinook Salmon Profile Tips
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
Recommended Tackle for Sterling 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.
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 Sterling Creek, freshest activity first.
West Canada Creek
9 miOneida County · 2 species · 349 records
Last stocked May 2026
Hinckley Reservoir
18 miOneida County · 3 species · 39 records
Last stocked May 2026
Sauquoit Creek
8 miOneida County · 1 species · 70 records
Last stocked April 2026
Oriskany Creek
12 miOneida County · 1 species · 100 records
Last stocked April 2026
Middle Sprite Creek
18 miFulton County · 1 species · 21 records
Last stocked April 2026
Cedar Lake
9 miHamilton County · 1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Steelhead | 4,600 | 4.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2019 | Steelhead | 4,600 | 4.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2018 | Chinook Salmon | 15,930 | 3.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2018 | Steelhead | 4,600 | 4.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2017 | Chinook Salmon | 17,630 | 3.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2017 | Steelhead | 4,600 | 4.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2016 | Chinook Salmon | 87,200 | 3.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2016 | Steelhead | 4,600 | 4.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2015 | Chinook Salmon | 87,200 | 3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2015 | Steelhead | 3,260 | 5.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Chinook Salmon | 87,200 | 3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2014 | Steelhead | 4,600 | 4.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2013 | Chinook Salmon | 87,200 | 3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2013 | Steelhead | 4,600 | 5.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2012 | Chinook Salmon | 70,730 | 3.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2012 | Steelhead | 4,600 | 5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2011 | Chinook Salmon | 86,680 | 3.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2011 | Steelhead | 5,320 | 4.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Sterling Creek last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Sterling Creek was last stocked March 2020 with Steelhead.
What fish species are stocked in Sterling Creek?
Sterling Creek is stocked with Steelhead and Chinook Salmon.
What time of year is Sterling Creek stocked?
Sterling Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Sterling Creek stocked?
Sterling Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 18 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2020.
How many fish have been stocked in Sterling Creek?
About 585,150 fish have been stocked in Sterling Creek across 18 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Sterling Creek?
Fish stocked in Sterling Creek average about 4.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Sterling 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 Sterling Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Sterling 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.