Cayuga Lake fish stocking
Ithaca (T), Tompkins County, New York
Cayuga Lake in Ithaca (T), Tompkins County, New York was last stocked in November 2025 with 70,000 lake trout. Across the 4 years shown here, NYSDEC released 422,590 fish in 22 separate stockings. Stockings here are most common in April, May, and November.
2026 stocking plan
From NYSDEC's published season plan. Plans can change because of weather and hatchery conditions.
| When | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | Brown Trout | 18,020 | 8 inches |
When Cayuga Lake gets fish
Stocking history
New York reports the month of each stocking, not the exact day.
2025 · 104,145 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Trout | 70,000 | 6.5″ | |
| Brown Trout | 2,895 | 7.5″ | |
| Landlocked Salmon | 3,090 | 6.69″ | |
| Landlocked Salmon | 10,320 | 6.69″ | |
| Brown Trout | 8,920 | 7.8″ | |
| Brown Trout | 8,920 | 9.1″ |
2024 · 101,050 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Trout | 70,000 | 6.9″ | |
| Brown Trout | 9,100 | 8.2″ | |
| Landlocked Salmon | 10,000 | 7″ | |
| Landlocked Salmon | 2,850 | 7″ | |
| Brown Trout | 9,100 | 8.9″ |
2023 · 101,575 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Trout | 70,000 | 6.5″ | |
| Lake Sturgeon | 2,975 | 6″ | |
| Landlocked Salmon | 2,680 | 7.1″ | |
| Landlocked Salmon | 8,920 | 7″ | |
| Brown Trout | 8,500 | 7.8″ | |
| Brown Trout | 8,500 | 7.8″ |
2022 · 115,820 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Trout | 35,000 | 6.5″ | |
| Lake Sturgeon | 2,500 | 6″ | |
| Lake Trout | 35,000 | 6.5″ | |
| Brown Trout | 17,000 | 9″ | |
| Landlocked Salmon | 26,320 | 6.5″ |
Frequently asked questions
When was Cayuga Lake last stocked?
NYSDEC records show Cayuga Lake was last stocked in November 2025 (about 11 months ago), with 70,000 lake trout.
What fish are stocked in Cayuga Lake?
Cayuga Lake has been stocked with brown trout, lake sturgeon, lake trout, and landlocked salmon in the years shown here (2022–2025).
When does Cayuga Lake usually get stocked?
Most fish have been stocked in April, May, and November. Exact dates change from year to year, so check back or see NYSDEC's official stocking page.
Do I need a license to fish Cayuga Lake?
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 Cayuga Lake.
Other stocked waters in Tompkins County
Enfield Creek
Salmon Creek
Cayuga Inlet
Enfield Creek T4
Fall Creek
Virgil Creek
All 9 stocked waters in Tompkins 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.