West Branch Reservoir Fish Stocking
Putnam County, New York · 2011–2026 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, West Branch Reservoir was last stocked April 2026 with Brown Trout. West Branch Reservoir has 36 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 125,510 fish stocked over that period.
When West Branch Reservoir is stocked
West Branch Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for West Branch Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Putnam County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into West Branch Reservoir, 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 West Branch Reservoir 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 West Branch Reservoir:
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).
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Landlocked Salmon Profile Tips
A classic New York coldwater fishery, often trolled with streamers behind cooler water strata.
Recommended Tackle for West Branch Reservoir
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 West Branch Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Croton Falls Reservoir
4 miPutnam County · 1 species · 17 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Gleneida
1 miPutnam County · 3 species · 36 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lake Gilead
2 miPutnam County · 3 species · 35 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stillwater Pond
6 miPutnam County · 2 species · 47 records
Last stocked April 2026
Bog Brook Reservoir
6 miPutnam County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked April 2026
Titicus Reservoir
7 miWestchester County · 3 species · 29 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | Brown Trout | 4,500 | 8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2025 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,550 | 6.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 4,460 | 7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2024 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,500 | 7.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2024 | Brown Trout | 4,550 | 8.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2023 | Landlocked Salmon | 4,000 | 5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2023 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,340 | 6.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2023 | Brown Trout | 4,250 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Show 28 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2022 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,410 | 6.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2021 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 7.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2021 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,500 | 6.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2021 | Brown Trout | 4,650 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2020 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 6.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2020 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 6.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2020 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,500 | 7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2020 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 1.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2020 | Brown Trout | 3,680 | 8.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2019 | Landlocked Salmon | 420 | 8.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2019 | Landlocked Salmon | 840 | 13" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2019 | Brown Trout | 4,430 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2018 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,500 | 7.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2018 | Brown Trout | 4,350 | 9.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2017 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,500 | 6.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| December 2016 | Brown Trout | 4,310 | 0" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2016 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,500 | 7.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2016 | Brown Trout | 4,310 | 9.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2015 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,500 | 7.5" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2015 | Brown Trout | 4,280 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2014 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,500 | 6.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2014 | Brown Trout | 4,390 | 9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2013 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,500 | 6.9" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2013 | Brown Trout | 3,640 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2012 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,500 | 6.2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2012 | Brown Trout | 4,430 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2011 | Landlocked Salmon | 1,500 | 6.1" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2011 | Brown Trout | 4,220 | 8.8" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was West Branch Reservoir last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, West Branch Reservoir was last stocked April 2026 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in West Branch Reservoir?
West Branch Reservoir is stocked with Brown Trout and Landlocked Salmon.
What time of year is West Branch Reservoir stocked?
West Branch Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is West Branch Reservoir stocked?
West Branch Reservoir has been stocked about 2 times a year — 36 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in West Branch Reservoir?
About 125,510 fish have been stocked in West Branch Reservoir across 36 recorded events since 2011, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in West Branch Reservoir?
Fish stocked in West Branch Reservoir average about 7.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish West Branch Reservoir?
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 West Branch Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in West Branch Reservoir 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.