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.