Canaan Lake fishing

Fishing at Canaan Lake has Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Chain Pickerel, and 2 more on the stocking report. It is stocked about 0.7 times a year since 2011, most often in March and September. Species guides list dawn and dusk for Rainbow Trout and Largemouth Bass and dawn, day, and dusk for Brown Trout, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch.

Last stocked

October 1, 2025

Plants on record

11

Since 2011

Species recorded

2

Average size

9.9 in

Elevation

24 ft

Access and facts

Nearest town
North Patchogue
Shore access
Yes
Boat ramp
No
Float tube friendly
Yes

Informal access at the north end via Ohls Street off Old North Ocean Avenue in North Patchogue; hand-launched boats allowed, shoreline access is limited.

Sources: access , access , shore_notes , nearest_town , fishing_notes , watch_outs

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How Canaan Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the first week of March. In 2025 it was March 1, 2025, about when it usually is.

No plants recorded in 9 years between 2011 and 2025.

West Lake (1.7 mi) and Upper Lake (5.9 mi) were stocked more recently. West Lake is also stocked with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout and Upper Lake is also stocked with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.

Fish at Canaan Lake

Fishing Canaan Lake is most likely to be for Brown Trout. Brown Trout accounts for 6 of 11 plants on record, ahead of Rainbow Trout.

Brown Trout 6 plants
Plants
6 of 11
Last stocked
October 1, 2025
Average length
10.7 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Brown Trout guide.

Rainbow Trout 5 plants
Plants
5 of 11
Last stocked
March 1, 2025
Average length
9 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Rainbow Trout guide.

Fishing Canaan Lake

Canaan Lake is a small shallow man-made lake located in North Patchogue. The DEC stocks trout in the spring and fall, providing a seasonal fishing opportunity. The lake also produces large yellow perch and chain pickerel. Anglers can find Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Brown Bullhead, and Rainbow Trout. Hand launched boats are allowed on the lake.

Sources: dec.ny.gov

What to watch for

Heavy aquatic plant growth in the summer makes fishing difficult and demands special tactics. Additionally, shoreline access is available but limited.

Fish stocked per year

  • 1,1002011
  • 2562021
  • 1,0702022
  • 1,0702023
  • 1,1102024
  • 1,1102025

Stocking history

Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
October 1, 2025 Brown Trout 170 11 in report
March 1, 2025 Rainbow Trout 940 8.9 in report
September 1, 2024 Brown Trout 170 9.6 in report
March 1, 2024 Rainbow Trout 940 9.1 in report
September 1, 2023 Brown Trout 170 9.2 in report
March 1, 2023 Rainbow Trout 900 9.1 in report
September 1, 2022 Brown Trout 170 11 in report
March 1, 2022 Rainbow Trout 900 9.5 in report
October 1, 2021 Brown Trout 256 12.2 in report
November 1, 2011 Brown Trout 200 11.2 in report
April 1, 2011 Rainbow Trout 900 8.3 in report

Species found here

Confirmed present independent of the stocking records above, not from a stocking event.

  • Largemouth Bass : Listed as a fish species present by NY DEC's Places to Go profile for Canaan Lake. (source)
  • Chain Pickerel : Listed as a fish species present by NY DEC's Places to Go profile for Canaan Lake. (source)
  • Bluegill : Listed as a fish species present by NY DEC's Places to Go profile for Canaan Lake. (source)
  • Pumpkinseed : Listed as a fish species present by NY DEC's Places to Go profile for Canaan Lake. (source)
  • Yellow Perch : Listed as a fish species present by NY DEC's Places to Go profile for Canaan Lake. (source)
  • Brown Bullhead : Listed as a fish species present by NY DEC's Places to Go profile for Canaan Lake. (source)

Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

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