One Thursday, Nov. 3, The Department of Environmental Conservation Freshwater Fisheries staff headed out and re-stocked the fall yearling and brown trout in West Lake, Patchogue, and the Upper Yaphank Lake. Some of the fish were distributed via a bucket system as well as a chute from the hatchery truck, which helped put the fish in the water more quickly.

West Lake

DEC Region One Freshwater Fisheries environmental education assistant Francis McParland placed about 260 brown trout in Patchogue’s West Lake. This was the second stocking this fall of brown trout at West Lake, which previously received 550 fish in September.

The September stocking yielded trout that were on average 14 inches in length while this most recent had smaller brown trout because they are some of the new, more wild strain of brown trout. This new strain was obtained by the hatchery a few months later than the typical brown trout, which is why they are smaller. Anglers fishing stocked ponds and lakes have a daily limit of five fish total with two fish over 12 inches.  This regulation is intended to stretch out the available larger fish.  Much of the funding for the raising of trout at the DEC hatcheries comes from the Conservation Fund and the fee associated with purchasing your fishing and hunting licenses.  Anglers are reminded to check their local rules and regulations that may differ from water body to water body.  

Upper Yaphank Lake

About 260 brown trout were stocked by DEC Freshwater Fisheries staff in Upper Yaphank Lake. This was the second stocking this fall of brown trout at Upper Yaphank Lake, which previously received 470 fish in September.