Third Lake Fish Stocking
Herkimer County, New York · 2011–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Third Lake was last stocked May 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Third Lake has 45 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 80,000 fish stocked over that period.
When Third Lake is stocked
Third Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 24 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Third Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Herkimer County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Third Lake, 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 Third Lake 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 Third Lake:
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.
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 Third Lake
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 Third Lake, freshest activity first.
Ashokan Reservoir (West Basin)
9 miUlster County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked June 2026
Ashokan Reservoir (East Basin)
9 miUlster County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked June 2026
Beaver Kill
16 miSullivan County · 1 species · 430 records
Last stocked June 2026
Rondout Creek
6 miUlster County · 3 species · 128 records
Last stocked April 2026
Plattekill Creek
10 miUlster County · 1 species · 80 records
Last stocked April 2026
Crum Elbow Creek
9 miDutchess County · 2 species · 64 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,870 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2025 | Brook Trout | 2,100 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,890 | 9.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Lake Trout | 390 | 7.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2024 | Brook Trout | 2,100 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,890 | 8.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Lake Trout | 400 | 6.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 37 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2023 | Brook Trout | 2,100 | 4.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2023 | Lake Trout | 380 | 7.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 9.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2022 | Brook Trout | 2,100 | 4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 9.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2021 | Brook Trout | 2,100 | 4.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,570 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Lake Trout | 450 | 6.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2020 | Brook Trout | 1,360 | 4.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,350 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2020 | Lake Trout | 450 | 6.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2019 | Brook Trout | 2,520 | 4.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2019 | Lake Trout | 450 | 6.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2018 | Brook Trout | 3,110 | 4.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,570 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2018 | Lake Trout | 450 | 6.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2017 | Brook Trout | 3,900 | 5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2017 | Lake Trout | 450 | 6.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2016 | Lake Trout | 400 | 6.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2015 | Brook Trout | 3,900 | 4.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2015 | Lake Trout | 450 | 6.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2014 | Brook Trout | 3,900 | 3.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2014 | Lake Trout | 4,000 | 2.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Lake Trout | 450 | 6.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,420 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2013 | Brook Trout | 600 | 4.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2013 | Lake Trout | 330 | 6.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2012 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 4.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 5.6" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Third Lake last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Third Lake was last stocked May 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Third Lake?
Third Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Lake Trout.
What time of year is Third Lake stocked?
Third Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Third Lake stocked?
Third Lake has been stocked about 3 times a year — 45 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Third Lake?
About 80,000 fish have been stocked in Third Lake across 45 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Third Lake?
Fish stocked in Third Lake average about 6.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Third Lake?
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 Third Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Third Lake 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.