Each season, the New York State Department of Conservation sets out to restock the trout in multiple local lakes, not to enhance the existing populations, but rather to create fishing opportunities.

Why restock for fishing? A portion of all New York State fishing licenses goes towards raising the trout for what is called a “put and take” fishery.  

Also, new regulations went into effect as of 2022, which place a limit of five trout with two trout over 12 inches, intended to spread out the larger fish. Some water bodies have special regulations. Fisherman or woman can also contact the Freshwater Fisheries Unit at 631-444-280 for more questions.

The DEC most recently restocked local waterbodies, including East Moriches’ Kahler Pond, North Patchogue’s Canaan Lake, and Patchogue’s West Lakes, on March 23. A total of 20,000 rainbow and brown trout were added.

According to regional fisheries manager Heidi O’Riordan, the NYS DEC stocks the fish before the traditional trout opening on April 1 through early May. Freshwater Fisheries staff also work on projects such as fish ladders, fisheries surveys, and outreach events. The fish mostly come from the Catskill Hatchery, while the larger brown trout came from the Caldonia hatchery and were transferred to Catskill before coming down to Long Island.