Brown Trout Stocked · 15 plants · last April 2025 Best: dawn, day, dusk Kensico Reservoir fishing
Kensico Reservoir fishing is stocked with Brown Trout and Lake Trout on a reservoir. Also recorded: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Panfish. It is stocked about 1.1 times a year since 2011, most often in March and April. Species guides list dawn, day, and dusk for Brown Trout, dawn for Lake Trout, and dawn and dusk for Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass.
- Last stocked
- April 2025
- Brown Trout
- Plants on record
- 16
- Since 2011
- Species stocked
- 2 (+3 also recorded)
- Average size
- 8.4 in
- Elevation
- 354 ft
Fish at Kensico Reservoir
Brown Trout Stocked · 15 plants · last April 2025 Best: dawn, day, dusk 
Lake Trout Stocked · 1 plant · last June 2011 Best: dawn 
Largemouth Bass Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk Best: dawn, dusk
Largemouth Bass species guide
Smallmouth Bass Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk Best: dawn, dusk
Smallmouth Bass species guide Panfish Confirmed present
Kensico Reservoir, located in Valhalla, is stocked with 8,440 brown trout every spring. Anglers can find Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Panfish here. For trout, trolling with spoons or plugs and using sawbellies are among the best techniques. This reservoir also offers some lunker bass for great angling action. (dec.ny.gov, accessed September 22, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
How Kensico Reservoir is stocked
No plants recorded in 2017 and 2022.
Fish stocked in 2011
9,340
Fish stocked in 2012
8,870
Fish stocked in 2013
7,270
Fish stocked in 2014
8,790
Fish stocked in 2015
8,560
Fish stocked in 2016
17,240
Fish stocked in 2018
8,700
Fish stocked in 2019
8,860
Fish stocked in 2020
7,360
Fish stocked in 2021
19,300
Fish stocked in 2023
8,500
Fish stocked in 2024
9,100
Fish stocked in 2025
8,920
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | Brown Trout | 8,920 | 6.7 in | report |
| April 2024 | Brown Trout | 9,100 | 8.2 in | report |
| April 2023 | Brown Trout | 8,500 | 8.8 in | report |
| November 2021 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 7.3 in | report |
| March 2021 | Brown Trout | 9,300 | 8.7 in | report |
| March 2020 | Brown Trout | 7,360 | 8.9 in | report |
| May 2019 | Brown Trout | 8,860 | 9.1 in | report |
| March 2018 | Brown Trout | 8,700 | 9.1 in | report |
| December 2016 | Brown Trout | 8,620 | – | report |
| March 2016 | Brown Trout | 8,620 | 8.9 in | report |
| April 2015 | Brown Trout | 8,560 | 8.8 in | report |
| March 2014 | Brown Trout | 8,790 | 9 in | report |
| March 2013 | Brown Trout | 7,270 | 8.8 in | report |
| March 2012 | Brown Trout | 8,870 | 8.8 in | report |
| June 2011 | Lake Trout | 900 | 6 in | report |
| March 2011 | Brown Trout | 8,440 | 8.8 in | report |
Access and facts
- Water type
- reservoir
- Nearest town
- Valhalla
- Shore access
- Yes
- Fee required
- No
Access requires a free NYC DEP watershed access permit; rowboats must be pre-approved and registered with DEP. Contact DEP (1-800-575-5263) before visiting. Located in Valhalla, last stop before NYC's water system.
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.
About Kensico Reservoir
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the clear waters of this reservoir are best known for abundant numbers of trout. (dec.ny.gov, accessed September 22, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
Nearest lakes
Common questions
What fish are at Kensico Reservoir?
Fishing Kensico Reservoir usually means Brown Trout: Brown Trout accounts for 15 of 16 plants on record, ahead of Lake Trout. Brown Trout was last stocked April 2025, averaging 8.6 in. Lake Trout was last stocked June 2011, averaging 6 in. Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Panfish are recorded here outside the stocking reports.
When is Kensico Reservoir stocked?
Last stocked April 2025. It is stocked about 1.1 times a year since 2011, most often in March and April. No plants recorded in 2017 and 2022.
How big are the fish stocked at Kensico Reservoir?
Stocked fish average 8.4 in. Brown Trout average 8.6 in. Lake Trout average 6 in.
How do you get on Kensico Reservoir?
Shore fishing is available and no fee is required. The nearest town is Valhalla. Access requires a free NYC DEP watershed access permit; rowboats must be pre-approved and registered with DEP. Contact DEP (1-800-575-5263) before visiting. Located in Valhalla, last stop before NYC's water system.