March 18, 2026

DEC Announces Plan for 2026 Trout Stocking and Future Habitat Enhancements for Ischua Creek

Stocking Will be Limited to the Lower 6.25 miles to Provide Recovery of Aquatic Resources in Impacted Portions of the Creek

New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced trout stocking plans for Ischua Creek following the discharge event last year that resulted in severe impacts to the aquatic community, including the existing trout resources.

“DEC continues to act in the best interest of the public and the resource regarding Ischua Creek,” said Commissioner Lefton. “The plan for stocking and habitat enhancement represents a measured approach to satisfy the recreational desires of anglers while also providing the time and resources needed to rehabilitate this fishery.”

While water quality data has shown significant improvements since the State’s initial response and aquatic life is recovering, condition of the aquatic resources, such as minnows and invertebrates that provide food for trout, is unknown at this time. The 2026 trout stocking plan for Ischua Creek reflects a conservative approach by DEC given the reduction in food sources within the impacted area, while still providing opportunities for anglers seeking stocked trout.

To address the uncertainty regarding food availability, trout stocking will pause within the impacted portions of the stream (Farmersville/Franklinville town line downstream to Five Mile Road) this year to promote the natural recovery of the fish and macroinvertebrate community and ensure that adequate food resources are available to support trout for the long term.

DEC is also developing a habitat enhancement plan for the Stocked-Extended portion of the impacted area to repopulate this stream reach with wild trout to obtain Wild-Quality management and provide enhanced habitat for the native fish community. Details of this plan are in development and will be released in a New York Trout Stream Habitat Plan later this year.

Trout stocking will occur in a section of the stream outside of the impacted area in late March. Sites being stocked include Baxter Hill Road, Mill Street (Ischua), Dutch Hill Road, Farwell Road, Kent Road, and Mill Street (Maplehurst), providing approximately 6.25 miles of available stream for trout anglers. Projected stocked trout numbers for Ischua in 2026 are 3,867 9-inch trout and 430 12-inch trout.

DEC offers a host of angler resources. Visit DEC’s website or DEC's official mobile app, HuntFishNY,featuring the “The Tackle Box,” which provides anglers with one-stop shopping for fishing regulations, boating access, and stocking information within a map-based interface from the convenience of your smart phone.

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location.

Contact for this Page Tim Walsh
Press Office
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Buffalo, NY 14209

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