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Weekend forecast

Brook Trout fishing in New York

The best public waters, seasonal timing, access points and state rules for Brook Trout in New York.

36
public waters
29
survey-verified
19
stocked (10 yrs)
8
waters with boat ramps

Best Brook Trout waters in New York

Waters ordered by agency verification and size. Stocked status reflects plants within the past 10 years.
WaterCountySizeStatusPublic access
Black RiverLewis126 miVerified6 ramps
Schoharie CreekSchoharie93.7 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Saint Regis RiverFranklin91.8 miVerified2 ramps
West Branch Delaware RiverDelaware85.5 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
West Canada CreekHerkimer76.3 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
East Branch Delaware RiverDelaware75.5 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Schroon RiverEssex67.6 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Esopus CreekUlster66.3 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
West Branch Oswegatchie RiverLewis63.7 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Rondout CreekUlster63.3 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Cohocton RiverSteuben59.4 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Otselic RiverChenango54.6 miVerified1 ramp
Neversink RiverSullivan54.4 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Boquet RiverEssex45.6 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Kinderhook CreekColumbia43.1 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Beaver KillSullivan41.1 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Fall CreekTompkins39.2 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
East Branch Ausable RiverEssex34.8 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
East Canada CreekHerkimer34.5 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Oriskany CreekOneida32.9 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Batten KillWashington31.4 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Ischua CreekCattaraugus31 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Willowemoc CreekSullivan27.8 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Salmon RiverClinton24.9 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Little Delaware RiverDelaware17.3 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Ramapo RiverOrange15.2 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Carmans RiverSuffolk13.4 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
West KillGreene12.8 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
North Branch Salmon RiverOswego9.3 miVerifiedShore / carry-in
Hudson RiverAlbany303.5 miStocked3 ramps
Mohawk RiverMontgomery148.5 miStocked6 ramps
Oswegatchie RiverSt. Lawrence143.5 miStocked1 ramp
Grass RiverSt. Lawrence73.6 miStocked1 ramp
Oatka CreekGenesee61.6 miStockedShore / carry-in
Chittenango CreekMadison55.3 miStockedShore / carry-in
Salmon RiverOswego39.7 miStocked1 ramp

Seasonal timing & activity

Bite patterns for Brook Trout shift with seasonal water temperatures across New York.

January

Winter

Winter patterns: slow presentations in deep pools or ice fishing where conditions permit.

February

Winter

Winter patterns: slow presentations in deep pools or ice fishing where conditions permit.

March

Pre-spawn

Early spring pre-spawn movement toward shallow structure and tributary mouths.

April

Pre-spawn

Early spring pre-spawn movement toward shallow structure and tributary mouths.

May

Peak

Peak spring activity and post-spawn feeding. Excellent shallow water action.

June

Peak

Peak spring activity and post-spawn feeding. Excellent shallow water action.

July

Summer

Summer patterns: early morning, dusk and night fishing along drop-offs and thermoclines.

August

Summer

Summer patterns: early morning, dusk and night fishing along drop-offs and thermoclines.

September

Fall peak

Fall feeding frenzy before winter turnover. High daytime feeding intensity.

October

Fall peak

Fall feeding frenzy before winter turnover. High daytime feeding intensity.

November

Late fall

Late fall staging in wintering holes. Slow bottom presentations.

December

Late fall

Late fall staging in wintering holes. Slow bottom presentations.

Rules & licensing

Fishing in New York requires a valid state fishing licence unless exempt. Always check the official New York regulations for special slot limits, creel limits and season openers on specific waters.

Official New York fishing regulations

Sources: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · USGS GNIS. Checked: Oct 6, 2026. Official links open the agency page. How we use data