Nicks Lake fishing

Nicks Lake fishing has Brown Trout on the stocking report. Also recorded: Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, and 1 more. It is stocked about 0.9 times a year since 2011, most often in April and May. Species guides list dawn, day, and dusk for Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Yellow Perch, dawn and dusk for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout, and dusk for Pumpkinseed.

AI-generated illustration, not a photo of this lake
Last stocked
May 2025
Brown Trout
Plants on record
14
Since 2011
Species stocked
1 (+7 also recorded)
Average size
8.5 in
Elevation
1,706 ft

Fish at Nicks Lake

1 stocked · 7 confirmed present

Brown Trout Stocked · 14 plants · last May 2025 Best: dawn, day, dusk

Last stocked May 2025 · avg 8.5 in · 14 plants

Best: dawn, day, dusk

Brown Trout species guide

Nicks Lake is a popular summer camping destination which provides anglers with a variety of opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass along with good numbers of yellow perch. Early season anglers will have the best luck finding brown trout and brook trout. Fish species present in the lake are brook trout, brown trout, white sucker, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and black bullhead. (dec.ny.gov, accessed September 22, 2026)(en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 22, 2026)

Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.

How Nicks Lake is stocked

Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

No plants recorded in 2016.

Fish stocked in 2011

1,690

Fish stocked in 2012

1,770

Fish stocked in 2013

1,450

Fish stocked in 2014

1,720

Fish stocked in 2015

1,710

Fish stocked in 2017

1,650

Fish stocked in 2018

1,740

Fish stocked in 2019

1,770

Fish stocked in 2020

1,470

Fish stocked in 2021

1,860

Fish stocked in 2022

1,700

Fish stocked in 2023

1,700

Fish stocked in 2024

1,820

Fish stocked in 2025

1,780

Stocking history

Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
May 2025Brown Trout1,7809.2 inreport
May 2024Brown Trout1,8209.2 inreport
May 2023Brown Trout1,7009.4 inreport
May 2022Brown Trout1,70010 inreport
May 2021Brown Trout1,8608.7 inreport
April 2020Brown Trout1,4707.9 inreport
May 2019Brown Trout1,7707.3 inreport
May 2018Brown Trout1,7408.1 inreport
May 2017Brown Trout1,6508 inreport
May 2015Brown Trout1,7108 inreport
April 2014Brown Trout1,7208.1 inreport
April 2013Brown Trout1,4507.9 inreport
April 2012Brown Trout1,7708.4 inreport
April 2011Brown Trout1,6908.3 inreport

Access and facts

Nearest town
Old Forge
Boat ramp
Yes
Fee required
Yes
Facilities
camping, restrooms

DEC beach launch off Route 28, 1.5 miles southwest of Old Forge, in Nicks Lake Campground (278 Bisby Road). Unimproved launch, parking for 20 cars, no motors, day-use fee in season, open when the campground operates. 206 acres, 17 feet deep at most. Trails start in the campground.

Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.

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Advisories, closures, regulations and water conditions change. Check the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation before you go.

Nearest lakes

Gibbs Lake 4.1 mi last stocked October 2019 Woodhull Lake 5.6 mi last stocked October 2017 Middle Branch Lake 5.6 mi last stocked September 2025 Third Lake Creek 6.2 mi last stocked April 2019 Independence Lake 6.9 mi last stocked September 2024

Common questions

What fish are at Nicks Lake?

Fishing Nicks Lake usually means Brown Trout. All 14 plants on record are Brown Trout. Brown Trout was last stocked May 2025, averaging 8.5 in. Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Pumpkinseed, plus 3 more are recorded here outside the stocking reports.

When is Nicks Lake stocked?

Last stocked May 2025. It is stocked about 0.9 times a year since 2011, most often in April and May. No plants recorded in 2016.

How big are the fish stocked at Nicks Lake?

Brown Trout stocked at Nicks Lake average 8.5 in.

How do you get on Nicks Lake?

There is a boat ramp and a fee is required. The nearest town is Old Forge. Facilities include camping and restrooms. DEC beach launch off Route 28, 1.5 miles southwest of Old Forge, in Nicks Lake Campground (278 Bisby Road). Unimproved launch, parking for 20 cars, no motors, day-use fee in season, open when the campground operates. 206 acres, 17 feet deep at most. Trails start in the campground.

Which lakes near Nicks Lake were stocked more recently?

Middle Branch Lake (5.6 mi) was stocked more recently.

Sources (4) +