Oatka Creek

Boat Ramps: 2
Access Points: 5
Species: 16

Oatka Creek is a 58-mile-long freestone stream flowing through Wyoming, Genesee, and Monroe Counties in Western New York, ultimately joining the Genesee River near Scottsville. It drains a 215-square-mile basin and carves the scenic Oatka Valley. The creek is celebrated for its rich angling history, being one of the first waters in America to hold brown trout, which originated from Seth Green's historic fish hatchery on Spring Creek. The fishery is diverse, transitioning from cool headwaters supporting trout to warmer mid-sections holding warmwater species, before becoming a premier trout stream again in its lower reaches due to significant spring water infusions.

New York licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Oatka Creek and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Brown Bullhead

Ameiurus nebulosus

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Northern Hogsucker

Hypentelium nigricans

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Rock Bass

Ambloplites rupestris

Shorthead Redhorse Sucker

Moxostoma macrolepidotum

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

Brown Trout555 fish · 1.0 inJune 2025
Brown Trout270 fish · 13.8 inMay 2025
Brown Trout2,450 fish · 9.2 inMay 2025
Brown Trout280 fish · 13.6 inApril 2025
Brown Trout2,550 fish · 9.2 inApril 2025

Source

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Oatka Creek. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Oatka Creek

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

New York licenses and regulations

New York Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the weblink below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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New York Fishing License

"You need a fishing license if you are 16 years and older and fishing for: -Freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups. -Frog species by spearing, catching with the hands, or by use of a club or hook. -Freshwater baitfish for personal use."

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New York Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you to check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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New York Stream Access Laws

Public Fishing Rights (PFRs) are permanent easements purchased by NYSDEC from willing landowners, giving anglers the right to fish and walk along the bank (usually a 33' strip on one or both banks of the stream). This right is for the purpose of fishing only and no other purpose. Fishing privileges may be available on some other private lands with the permission of the landowner. Courtesy toward the landowner and respect for their property will ensure their continued use.

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Take Oatka Creek with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Oatka Creek to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Oatka Creek to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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