Black River fish stocking
Watertown, Jefferson County, New York
Black River in Watertown, Jefferson County, New York was last stocked in May 2025 with 119,151 brown trout and chinook. Across the 4 years shown here, NYSDEC released 525,241 fish in 21 separate stockings. Stockings here are most common in April and May.
2026 stocking plan
From NYSDEC's published season plan. Plans can change because of weather and hatchery conditions.
| When | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| — 2026 | Brown Trout | 450 | 12–15 inches |
| — 2026 | Brown Trout | 3,900 | 9– 10 inches |
When Black River gets fish
Stocking history
New York reports the month of each stocking, not the exact day.
2025 · 151,651 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 220 | 13.8″ | |
| Brown Trout | 2,090 | 9.6″ | |
| Brown Trout | 190 | 13.8″ | |
| Brown Trout | 1,770 | 9.6″ | |
| Chinook | 25,000 | 3.2″ | |
| Chinook | 89,881 | 3.6″ | |
| Steelhead | 32,500 | 5.1″ |
2024 · 129,090 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook | 90,000 | 3.6″ | |
| Steelhead | 35,000 | 4.9″ | |
| Brown Trout | 190 | 14.2″ | |
| Brown Trout | 1,990 | 9.1″ | |
| Brown Trout | 1,690 | 9.1″ | |
| Brown Trout | 220 | 14.2″ |
2023 · 128,670 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 360 | 13.6″ | |
| Brown Trout | 3,380 | 8.9″ | |
| Chinook | 89,930 | 3.9″ | |
| Steelhead | 35,000 | 5.5″ |
2022 · 115,830 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook | 75,000 | 3.5″ | |
| Steelhead | 35,000 | 5″ | |
| Brown Trout | 5,250 | 9.5″ | |
| Brown Trout | 580 | 13.5″ |
Frequently asked questions
When was Black River last stocked?
NYSDEC records show Black River was last stocked in May 2025 (about 17 months ago), with 119,151 brown trout and chinook.
What fish are stocked in Black River?
Black River has been stocked with brown trout, chinook, and steelhead in the years shown here (2022–2025).
When does Black River usually get stocked?
Most fish have been stocked in April and May. Exact dates change from year to year, so check back or see NYSDEC's official stocking page.
Do I need a license to fish Black River?
Yes, anglers generally need a valid New York fishing license. Check the current New York fishing regulations for seasons, limits and any special rules for Black River.
Other stocked waters in Jefferson County
Lake of the Woods
Millsite Lake
Sixberry Lake
Hyde Lake
Black Creek
Black Creek West Branch
All 25 stocked waters in Jefferson County →
Source: Fish Stocking Lists (Actual) (data.ny.gov), Current Season Spring Trout Stocking (data.ny.gov). Stocked Lakes is not affiliated with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Spot a problem? Let us know.