Herkimer County Soil and Water Conservation Fish Stocking Program

LARGEMOUTH BASS will spawn in smaller farm ponds with a water depth of 4 feet or more. Remember, Bass usually reproduce as 2 year olds and occasionally not until the third year. For best results, try to avoid fishing the pond until the Bass have spawned. The pond should then provide many years of fishing fun with occasional stocking of feeder fish such as Fathead Minnows. The recommended stocking rate for 2-4” Bass is 100 – 125 per surface acre along with 500 – 600 minnows per surface acre.

TROUT can live in water between 33 and 75 degrees, but they make their most rapid growth in water of 50 to 65 degrees. Not only do trout make their fastest growth within this temperature range, but they are less susceptible to parasites and diseases. It is not likely that you will be able to keep the water temperature in your pond within this range all year, unless you have a constant source of cooler water from a spring or well. Brook Trout prefer a water temperature range of 65 degrees Fahrenheit or less, and most are acid tolerant. They grow well in ponds 10 feet deep or shallower ones that are spring fed and may reproduce in ponds fed by gravel bottomed streams and springs. They are easily caught, with a life span of 3 to 4 years. Rainbow Trout prefer a water temperature range of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer and are good for ponds 8 feet deep or deeper, best in clear ponds. They are very acid sensitive, but grow quickly, with a life span of 5 years. The number of trout a pond will support depends on its surface area, water quality, and size of fish. The standard fall stocking rate for 4-6” fingerlings is 300 to 400 per surface acre.

You must obtain a stocking permit or farm fish pond license from NYS DEC. If you do not already have one, please contact your DEC Regional office to get a permit application. You must do this ASAP!

All orders must be prepaid and received, WITH A COPY OF YOUR STOCKING PERMIT OR FARM FISH POND LICENSE, no later than Monday, September 11th, 2023. The pick-up date is scheduled for Thursday, September 28 , 2023 at 9:00 a.m. Our office is located in the COR Business Park, 5653 State Route 5 in East Herkimer. A reminder letter will be sent out to confirm the pick-up date and time.
Call the SWCD office at (315) 866 – 2520 ext. 5 and ask for Rosie or visit our website  to request order information.