New York is the only state running major steelhead programs on two Great Lakes. The NYSDEC will stock approximately 730,000+ steelhead yearlings in spring 2026 — split between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario tributaries.
Lake Erie Tributaries (192,500 total)
| Tributary | Steelhead | Domestic RB | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattaraugus Creek | 60,000 | 15,000 | 75,000 |
| Chautauqua Creek | 25,000 | 10,000 | 35,000 |
| Eighteen Mile Creek | 20,000 | 15,000 | 35,000 |
| Canadaway Creek | 10,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 |
| Others (Silver, Buffalo, Cayuga, Walnut) | 27,500 | — | 27,500 |
| Lake Erie Total | 142,500 | 50,000 | 192,500 |
Lake Ontario Tributaries (613,000 total)
| Tributary | Annual | Strain |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon River | 168,000 | Washington + Skamania |
| Black River | 72,000 | Washington |
| Lower Niagara River | 45,000 | Washington |
| South Sandy Creek | 28,750 | Washington |
| Genesee River | 22,000 | Washington |
| Oak Orchard Creek | 21,000 | Washington |
| 15 additional tributaries | ~181,250 | Washington |
| Lake Ontario Total | ~538,000 |
Two Strains, Two Seasons
New York stocks both the Washington strain (winter-run, from Chambers Creek, WA) and the Skamania strain (summer-run). Skamania fish are stocked exclusively on the Salmon River (48,000/year) and enter tributaries as early as June — extending the fishing season well beyond the traditional fall-spring window.
The 2026-2035 Lake Erie Steelhead Management Plan was finalized in January 2026, setting stocking targets for the next decade. Cattaraugus Creek is designated as the "buffer system" — if hatchery production falls short, Cattaraugus gets reduced first since it stays cold and fishable later into spring.
Lake Erie vs Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario receives roughly 3x more steelhead than Lake Erie. The Salmon River alone gets 168,000 fish — nearly as many as all nine Lake Erie tributaries combined. If you're planning a trip, the Salmon River area offers the highest concentration of fish, while the Lake Erie tribs offer more solitude.
Explore all 31 rivers on the River Explorer, or read the full New York Stocking Program guide →
