South Branch Cattaraugus Creek

South Branch Cattaraugus Creek fishing

Fishing at South Branch Cattaraugus Creek is on a river section, stocked with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. It is stocked about 1.3 times a year since 2011, most often in March and April. Species guides list dawn, day, and dusk for Brown Trout and dawn and dusk for Rainbow Trout.

Last stocked

April 1, 2024

Plants on record

18

Since 2011

Species recorded

2

Average size

9.8 in

Elevation

845 ft

Access and facts

Water type
river section
Nearest town
Persia
Shore access
Yes
Boat ramp
No
ADA accessible
Yes
Fee required
No

Reach the South Branch gorge only from the Forty Road parking area in the Town of Persia; a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform sits about 200 feet from the lot. No boat launch; anglers may wade upstream to the state-land boundary. Free access; no camping.

Sources: water_type , access , shore_notes , nearest_town , photos , watch_outs

View larger map ยท Open on Google Maps

How South Branch Cattaraugus Creek is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the first week of March. In 2024 it was April 1, 2024, later than usual.

Cattaraugus Creek (15.4 mi) and Silver Creek (15.9 mi) were stocked more recently. Cattaraugus Creek is also stocked with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.

Fish at South Branch Cattaraugus Creek

Fishing South Branch Cattaraugus Creek is most likely to be for Brown Trout. Brown Trout accounts for 13 of 18 plants on record, ahead of Rainbow Trout.

Brown Trout 13 plants
Plants
13 of 18
Last stocked
April 1, 2024
Average length
10.1 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Brown Trout guide.

Rainbow Trout 5 plants
Plants
5 of 18
Last stocked
April 1, 2024
Average length
9.1 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Rainbow Trout guide.

What to watch for

The Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area contains hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes, cliffs and swift water.

Fish stocked per year

  • 1,0202011
  • 1,0602012
  • 8702013
  • 1,0502014
  • 1,0302015
  • 1,0302016
  • 9902017
  • 1,0402018
  • 1,0602019
  • 9002020
  • 7602021
  • 7602022
  • 7602023
  • 7602024

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 18 plants Showing 18 plants

Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
April 1, 2024 Brown Trout 80 13.7 in report
April 1, 2024 Rainbow Trout 680 10 in report
April 1, 2023 Brown Trout 80 13.4 in report
April 1, 2023 Rainbow Trout 680 9.4 in report
April 1, 2022 Rainbow Trout 680 9 in report
April 1, 2022 Brown Trout 80 14 in report
April 1, 2021 Rainbow Trout 680 9.2 in report
April 1, 2021 Brown Trout 80 13.1 in report
March 1, 2020 Rainbow Trout 900 8.1 in report
March 1, 2019 Brown Trout 1,060 8.5 in report
March 1, 2018 Brown Trout 1,040 8.9 in report
March 1, 2017 Brown Trout 990 9 in report
March 1, 2016 Brown Trout 1,030 8.5 in report
March 1, 2015 Brown Trout 1,030 8.5 in report
March 1, 2014 Brown Trout 1,050 8.9 in report
March 1, 2013 Brown Trout 870 8 in report
March 1, 2012 Brown Trout 1,060 8 in report
March 1, 2011 Brown Trout 1,020 8.3 in report
Show 3 more plants Show less

Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

Nearest lakes