Harwood Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project Completed

NY DEC Press Releases

Published March 19th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the completion of the Harwood Lake Dam reconstruction project. This completion allows for the return of scheduled trout stocking for the spring fishing season, with approximately 4,950 trout to be stocked.

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What changed

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the completion of the Harwood Lake Dam rehabilitation project in Farmersville, Cattaraugus County. The project involved significant reconstruction of the dam embankment, installation of a new spillway, and wetland restoration. With the lake water levels returned to normal, the DEC will resume scheduled trout stocking for the spring fishing season, including rainbow trout and brown trout.

This announcement signifies the reopening of previously restricted areas and the return to normal fishing conditions at Harwood Lake. The DEC also provides resources for anglers, including a beginner's guide to fishing, a video series, and its mobile app, HuntFishNY, which offers fishing regulations and stocking information. Anglers are also advised to consult New York State Department of Health advisories regarding fish consumption.

What to do next

Review DEC's fishing resources for updated information on regulations and stocking.
Consult NY DOH health advisories for fish consumption safety.

Source document (simplified)

March 19, 2026

DEC Announces Completion of Harwood Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project

Return of Spring Trout Stocking at Harwood Lake

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the completion of the Harwood Dam reconstruction project and the return of scheduled trout stocking for the spring fishing season at Harwood Lake. The lake is located off State Route 98 in Farmersville, Cattaraugus County, and will once again be stocked with yearling brook trout and two-year-old brown trout.

The extensive dam project involved installation of wave wash protection, reconstruction of the dam embankment, installation of a new spillway, clearing and armoring of the auxiliary overflow spillway, and wetland restoration. Lake water levels, lowered during the construction period, have returned to normal and allows for trout stocking to resume this spring. All areas previously off limits due to construction are now open.

The first stocking is anticipated this month following ice out on the lake. Total projected stocking this spring is 4,600 yearling rainbow trout and 350 2-year-old brown trout.

DEC offers a host of resources for those interested in getting started in fishing. The I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing (PDF) provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod, to identifying your catch and understanding fishing regulations. There’s also a video series on DEC’s YouTube channel that complements the Beginners’ Guide. DEC's Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information when planning your next fishing trip. DEC's official mobile app, HuntFishNY,now features “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.

Visit DEC’s website to learn more about the Harwood Lake Multiple Use Area, Western New York fishing opportunities, and stocked lakes and ponds in Region 9.

Contact for this Page TJ Pignataro
700 Delaware Ave
Buffalo, NY 14209

Phone: 716-803-0193 [email protected] This Page Covers Region 9 Western New York Icon