DEC Announces Fall Trout Stocking Schedule for Long Island

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announces its fall trout stocking program for Nassau and Suffolk counties. A total of nearly 8,000 fall yearling brown trout will be stocked this fall.

"Fishing is more popular than ever this year as residents are taking advantage of New York State's great freshwater fishing resources and looking for activities close to home," Regional Director Carrie Gallagher said. "Nassau and Suffolk counties have an abundance of rivers, lakes, and streams that beckon New Yorkers to get outside and check out the region's fishing opportunities safely and responsibly."

In Nassau County, a total of approximately 2,000 brown trout will be stocked in Wantagh's Upper Twin Pond, Massapequa Reservoir, and Oyster Bay Mill Pond by Oct. 31, with an additional stocking of 1,400 trout to these water bodies by Nov. 14.

In Suffolk County, a total of approximately 3,200 brown trout will be stocked in 10 water bodies by Oct. 31, with an additional 1,250 to seven Suffolk County water bodies by Nov. 14.

Suffolk County water bodies stocked by Oct. 31 are Carlls River, Southards Pond, Argyle Lake, Twin Pond, Nissequogue River, West Lake, Carmans River, Upper Yaphank Lake, Deep Pond, and Kahler Pond. By Nov. 14, the Carlls River, Southards Pond, Argyle Lake, Nissequogue River, West Lake, Swan River, and Upper Yaphank Lake will be stocked.

Governor Cuomo created the NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing, and increasing hunting opportunities in the state.

Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Adventure NY Initiative (PDF), DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active outdoor recreation, connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors, protect natural resources and boost local economies. This initiative is supporting improvements ranging from enhancements to youth camps and environmental education centers to new boat launches, duck blinds, and hiking trails. To date, a total of $17 million in NY Works funding has been allocated to infrastructure repair and modernization of DEC's hatchery system.

Anglers are reminded that trout fishing season on Long Island is year-round for most lakes and streams and that there is a daily limit of three fish per person.

For information about freshwater fishing on Long Island or the fall trout stocking program in Nassau and Suffolk counties, call the DEC Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0280, or e-mail the Fisheries Bureau. Additionally, you can visit DEC's Long Island Fisheries webpage.

This fall, anglers should be mindful in taking precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 while enjoying the fishing on Long Island. DEC is reminding anglers to be "SMART" when fishing this year:

• Socially distance at least six feet apart;
• Mask - Wear one when you cannot maintain social distancing, especially in parking lots and along footpaths;
• Avoid sharing gear when possible;
• Respect your fellow anglers and the resource by providing space and practicing ethical angling; and
• Take out what you bring in or place trash in receptacles.

For more information about how to PLAY SMART * PLAY SAFE * PLAY LOCAL, visit DEC's website.