Essex County Trout Stocking Programs

Information Supplied by
Steven A. LaMere, Director
Essex County Fisheries Department

In 1982, Essex County assumed ownership of the state fish hatchery in Crown Point. Traditionally, this facility had stocked yearling brook, brown, and rainbow trout in Essex County waters. The program began an exciting transition from yearling (7"-9") trout production to two year-old (12"-14") trout production in 1990. The Essex County Fish Hatchery now releases approximately 30,000 two year-old and 20,00 yearling trout annually into roughly 65 bodies of water, making it one of the most unique and ambitious stocking programs in the northeastern United States.

The species of trout raised at the Essex County Fish Hatchery include rainbow, brook, and brown trout. In the Adirondacks, the rainbow trout is a colorful, hearty and abundant breed. The size range of adult Adirondack rainbows is from 12 to 28 inches and 1 to 9 pounds. Brook trout thrive in cold, clean waters and adults range in size from 10 to 20 inches and ½ to 5 pounds. The brook trout is an excellent food and game fish and is native to Adirondack waters. The brown trout prefers warmer temperatures and slower moving water than either the brookie or the rainbow This species can grow to 18 inches in some of our Adirondack lakes. Eagle Lake in Ticonderoga is an example of a premier brown trout water.

Some of the local waters the Essex County Fish Hatchery stocks are the following: In Crown Point; Phelps Brook, and Putnam Creek. In Moriah; Mill Brook (upstream of falls, just west of Route 22), Roes Pond (specially designated a kids fishing area), McKenzie Brook (upstream of falls on Fish & Game Club Property), Grove Brook (above first impassable fish barrier), and Ensign Pond. In Schroon Lake; Alder Meadow Brook, Rogers Brook, Schroon River, Spectacle Pond Brook, and Paradox Lake (East Basin only). In Ticonderoga; Putnam Creek, Trout Brook, Eagle Lake, LaChute River, and Five-mile Run.

The Essex County Fish Hatchery is open 7 days a week- year round- 8:00am to 4:00 pm. Self guided tours and stocking lists are available. The Fish Hatchery is an ideal stop for a relaxing, informative and fun day for the entire family. If you would like further information you may contact Steven A. LaMere, Director, Essex County Fisheries Dept., P.O. Box 501, Crown Point, NY 12928. (518)-597-3844.