Lake Ontario fishing

Fishing at Lake Ontario has Brown Trout on the stocking report. It is stocked about once a year since 2011, most often in May. Species guides list dawn, day, and dusk as the active times.

Last stocked

May 1, 2025

Plants on record

15

Since 2011

Species recorded

1

Average size

7.7 in

Elevation

281 ft

Access and facts

Nearest town
Fair Haven
Boat ramp
Yes
ADA accessible
No

A DEC-listed hard surface launch is at Fair Haven, operated by OPRHP, with parking for about 150 vehicles. Anglers should clean gear: this water has documented invasive species (Eurasian Watermilfoil, Curly-leaf Pondweed, Zebra Mussel, Spiny waterflea, Fishhook Waterflea, Round Goby).

Sources: access , fishing_notes , watch_outs

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How Lake Ontario is stocked

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

Fish at Lake Ontario

Fishing Lake Ontario is most likely to be for Brown Trout. All 15 plants on record are Brown Trout.

Brown Trout 15 plants
Plants
15 of 15
Last stocked
May 1, 2025
Average length
7.7 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Brown Trout guide.

Fishing Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes of North America, possesses an important freshwater fishery. Despite its significance, this fishery has experienced negative impacts. Factors such as overfishing, water pollution, and the introduction of invasive species have affected the lake's aquatic environment and its fishing opportunities.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

What to watch for

Anglers should be aware that the freshwater fishery in Lake Ontario has been negatively affected by various factors. These include overfishing, water pollution, and invasive species, which can impact fishing conditions.

Fish stocked per year

  • 30,4802011
  • 31,9302012
  • 26,1802013
  • 31,0102014
  • 30,8102015
  • 35,0002016
  • 29,7002017
  • 31,3202018
  • 31,9002019
  • 46,0402020
  • 30,9962021
  • 32,0102022
  • 30,9962023
  • 33,1702024
  • 34,1002025

Stocking history

Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
May 1, 2025 Brown Trout 34,100 7.9 in report
May 1, 2024 Brown Trout 33,170 7.8 in report
May 1, 2023 Brown Trout 30,996 7.8 in report
May 1, 2022 Brown Trout 32,010 8 in report
May 1, 2021 Brown Trout 30,996 7.6 in report
May 1, 2020 Brown Trout 46,040 7.6 in report
May 1, 2019 Brown Trout 31,900 7.5 in report
May 1, 2018 Brown Trout 31,320 7.5 in report
May 1, 2017 Brown Trout 29,700 7.4 in report
May 1, 2016 Brown Trout 35,000 8.2 in report
May 1, 2015 Brown Trout 30,810 7.6 in report
May 1, 2014 Brown Trout 31,010 7.6 in report
May 1, 2013 Brown Trout 26,180 7.9 in report
May 1, 2012 Brown Trout 31,930 8 in report
May 1, 2011 Brown Trout 30,480 7.5 in report

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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