Hards Lake fish stocking
Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York
Hards Lake in Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York was last stocked in May 2025 with 720 brown trout. Across the 4 years shown here, NYSDEC released 9,660 fish in 22 separate stockings. Stockings here are most common in March, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | Brown Trout | 400 | 12–15 inches |
| March 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 730 | 8 inches |
| April 2026 | Brown Trout | 230 | 12–15 inches |
| April 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 620 | 8 inches |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 120 | 12–15 inches |
| May 2026 | Brown Trout | 630 | 8 inches |
When Hards Lake gets fish
Stocking history
New York reports the month of each stocking, not the exact day.
2025 · 2,670 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 620 | 7.2″ | |
| Brown Trout | 100 | 12.1″ | |
| Brown Trout | 210 | 13.9″ | |
| Rainbow Trout | 630 | 8.7″ | |
| Brown Trout | 370 | 14.1″ | |
| Rainbow Trout | 740 | 8.9″ |
2024 · 2,690 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 640 | 8.5″ | |
| Brown Trout | 100 | 11.9″ | |
| Brown Trout | 210 | 13.8″ | |
| Rainbow Trout | 630 | 9.1″ | |
| Brown Trout | 370 | 11.2″ | |
| Rainbow Trout | 740 | 9.1″ |
2023 · 2,550 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 600 | 9.1″ | |
| Brown Trout | 100 | 11″ | |
| Brown Trout | 200 | 13.7″ | |
| Rainbow Trout | 600 | 9.3″ | |
| Brown Trout | 350 | 13.9″ | |
| Rainbow Trout | 700 | 9.1″ |
2022 · 1,750 fish
| Date | Species | Fish | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 600 | 9″ | |
| Brown Trout | 100 | 13″ | |
| Brown Trout | 350 | 13.5″ | |
| Rainbow Trout | 700 | 9.5″ |
Frequently asked questions
When was Hards Lake last stocked?
NYSDEC records show Hards Lake was last stocked in May 2025 (about 17 months ago), with 720 brown trout.
What fish are stocked in Hards Lake?
Hards Lake has been stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout in the years shown here (2022–2025).
When does Hards Lake usually get stocked?
Most fish have been stocked in March, 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 Hards 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 Hards Lake.
Other stocked waters in Suffolk County
Argyle Lake
Upper Lake
West Lake
Canaan Lake
Carmans River
Deep Pond
All 20 stocked waters in Suffolk 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.