Sugar Creek Fish Stocking
Livingston County, New York · 2011–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Sugar Creek was last stocked April 2026 with Brook Trout. Sugar Creek has 16 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 22,500 fish stocked over that period.
When Sugar Creek is stocked
Sugar Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Sugar 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 Sugar 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 Sugar Creek was last stocked April 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 Sugar 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.
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.
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 Sugar 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 Sugar Creek, freshest activity first.
Nanticoke Lake
13 miBroome County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked May 2026
Chenango Lake
15 miChenango County · 2 species · 58 records
Last stocked May 2026
Chenango River
7 miMadison County · 1 species · 46 records
Last stocked April 2026
Catatonk Creek
15 miTioga County · 1 species · 22 records
Last stocked April 2026
Otselic River
21 miMadison County · 1 species · 137 records
Last stocked April 2026
Nanticoke Creek
5 miBroome County · 2 species · 90 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | Brook Trout | 460 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brook Trout | 920 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Brook Trout | 1,290 | 9.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2023 | Brook Trout | 2,880 | 6.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Brook Trout | 1,290 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2022 | Brook Trout | 1,290 | 9.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2021 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Brook Trout | 1,290 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 8 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Brook Trout | 900 | 8.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2019 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2018 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 8.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2017 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2016 | Brook Trout | 1,280 | 8.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2014 | Brown Trout | 700 | 5.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2013 | Brown Trout | 700 | 5.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2011 | Brown Trout | 700 | 5.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Sugar Creek last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Sugar Creek was last stocked April 2026 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Sugar Creek?
Sugar Creek is stocked with Brook Trout and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Sugar Creek stocked?
Sugar Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Sugar Creek stocked?
Sugar Creek is stocked intermittently — 16 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Sugar Creek?
About 22,500 fish have been stocked in Sugar Creek across 16 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Sugar Creek?
Fish stocked in Sugar Creek average about 7.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Sugar 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 Sugar Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Sugar 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.