Brook Trout Stocked · 4 plants · last October 2017 Best: dawn, day, dusk Independence River fishing
Independence River fishing: not stocked since October 2017. It was stocked with Brook Trout on a river section. Also recorded: Brown trout. Species guides list dawn, day, and dusk as the active times.
- Last stocked
- October 2017
- Brook Trout
- Plants on record
- 4
- Since 2014
- Species stocked
- 1 (+1 also recorded)
- Average size
- 4 in
- Elevation
- 739 ft
Fish at Independence River
Brook Trout Stocked · 4 plants · last October 2017 Best: dawn, day, dusk 
Brown trout Confirmed present Best: dawn, day, dusk Best: dawn, day, dusk
Brown trout species guideHow Independence River is stocked
No plants recorded in 2016.
Fish stocked in 2014
20,000
Fish stocked in 2015
6,000
Fish stocked in 2017
4,000
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2017 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 5.5 in | report |
| August 2015 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 3.7 in | report |
| August 2015 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 3.7 in | report |
| June 2014 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 3.1 in | report |
Access and facts
- Water type
- river section
- Nearest town
- Lowville
- Shore access
- Yes
The map pin is the Black River confluence in the Town of Watson. Upstream, DEC says the Donnatsburg Bridge in Independence River State Forest gives fishing access, and in the Wild Forest the Beach Mill Trail follows the north bank for 5.3 miles from the end of Beach Mill Road.
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
Advisories, closures, regulations and water conditions change. Check the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation before you go.
Nearest lakes
Common questions
What fish are at Independence River?
Fishing Independence River usually means Brook Trout. All 4 plants on record are Brook Trout. Brook Trout was last stocked October 2017, averaging 4 in. Brown trout is recorded here outside the stocking reports.
When is Independence River stocked?
Not stocked since October 2017. No plants recorded in 2016.
How big are the fish stocked at Independence River?
Brook Trout stocked at Independence River average 4 in.
How do you get on Independence River?
Shore fishing is available. The nearest town is Lowville. The map pin is the Black River confluence in the Town of Watson. Upstream, DEC says the Donnatsburg Bridge in Independence River State Forest gives fishing access, and in the Wild Forest the Beach Mill Trail follows the north bank for 5.3 miles from the end of Beach Mill Road.
Which lakes near Independence River were stocked more recently?
Whetstone Creek (0.9 mi), Otter Creek (2.3 mi), Payne Lake (6.1 mi), Little Otter Lake (6.5 mi), and Cleveland Lake (6.6 mi) were stocked more recently. Payne Lake is also stocked with Brook Trout, Little Otter Lake is also stocked with Brook Trout, and Cleveland Lake is also stocked with Brook Trout.