Brook Trout Stocked · 11 plants · last May 2024 Best: dawn, day, dusk Payne Lake fishing
Payne Lake fishing has Brook Trout on the stocking report. Also recorded: Brown Bullhead and Golden Shiner. It is stocked about 0.8 times a year since 2011, most often in May and September. Species guides list dawn, day, and dusk for Brook Trout and dusk and night for Brown Bullhead.
- Last stocked
- May 2024
- Brook Trout
- Plants on record
- 11
- Since 2011
- Species stocked
- 1 (+2 also recorded)
- Average size
- 8.4 in
- Elevation
- 1,232 ft
Fish at Payne Lake
Brook Trout Stocked · 11 plants · last May 2024 Best: dawn, day, dusk 
Brown Bullhead Confirmed present Best: dusk, night Best: dusk, night
Brown Bullhead species guide Golden Shiner Confirmed present
Payne Lake hosts Brook Trout, Brown Bullhead, and Golden Shiner. Anglers can target Brook trout in the early season along the shoreline by casting various small spinners and spoons towards cover near shore. During mid to late summer, fish the thermocline, which averages 10-12 feet in depth, using weighted line and slow trolling for warm weather angling. (dec.ny.gov, accessed October 5, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
How Payne Lake is stocked
No plants recorded in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
Fish stocked in 2011
700
Fish stocked in 2013
500
Fish stocked in 2014
500
Fish stocked in 2015
440
Fish stocked in 2017
500
Fish stocked in 2018
500
Fish stocked in 2019
500
Fish stocked in 2020
350
Fish stocked in 2022
500
Fish stocked in 2023
500
Fish stocked in 2024
550
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | Brook Trout | 550 | 9.3 in | report |
| May 2023 | Brook Trout | 500 | 9.1 in | report |
| May 2022 | Brook Trout | 500 | 8.5 in | report |
| May 2020 | Brook Trout | 350 | 7.9 in | report |
| May 2019 | Brook Trout | 500 | 7.8 in | report |
| May 2018 | Brook Trout | 500 | 8 in | report |
| May 2017 | Brook Trout | 500 | 9 in | report |
| May 2015 | Brook Trout | 440 | 9.1 in | report |
| May 2014 | Brook Trout | 500 | 9.6 in | report |
| May 2013 | Brook Trout | 500 | 9.3 in | report |
| September 2011 | Brook Trout | 700 | 4.5 in | report |
Access and facts
- Nearest town
- Watson
- ADA accessible
- Yes
- Facilities
- dock
DEC hand launch with a dock on Cleveland Lake Road in the Town of Watson, inside the Independence River Wild Forest. The lot holds 5 cars, and DEC lists the hand launch and dock as wheelchair accessible.
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 Payne Lake?
Fishing Payne Lake usually means Brook Trout. All 11 plants on record are Brook Trout. Brook Trout was last stocked May 2024, averaging 8.4 in. Brown Bullhead and Golden Shiner are recorded here outside the stocking reports.
When is Payne Lake stocked?
Last stocked May 2024. It is stocked about 0.8 times a year since 2011, most often in May and September. No plants recorded in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
How big are the fish stocked at Payne Lake?
Brook Trout stocked at Payne Lake average 8.4 in.
How do you get on Payne Lake?
It is ADA accessible. The nearest town is Watson. Facilities include dock. DEC hand launch with a dock on Cleveland Lake Road in the Town of Watson, inside the Independence River Wild Forest. The lot holds 5 cars, and DEC lists the hand launch and dock as wheelchair accessible.
Which lakes near Payne Lake were stocked more recently?
Cleveland Lake (0.5 mi) was stocked more recently. Cleveland Lake is also stocked with Brook Trout.