Limestone Creek, located in Onondaga and Madison counties, begins as an outflow of DeRuyter Reservoir and meanders for approximately 25 miles to its confluence with Butternut Creek, which then flows into Chittenango Creek. Limestone Creek is a very popular trout fishing location as it is heavily stocked, supports good numbers of wild trout, and flows through multiple metropolitan areas.
Public Access
There are 1.75 miles of PFR along Limestone Creek. There are no official PFR parking areas, so anglers use unofficial pulloffs along the stream. Anglers can also find parking in the Villages of Manlius and Fayetteville.
Mill Run Park, located on Mill Street in the Village of Manlius, also offers public access.
DECinfo Locator - Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (Decinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer).
Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide ("How to" instructions for using the fishing map on Decinfo Locator.)
Fish Species
Brown trout, brook trout, and white sucker.
General Fishing Information
Stocked and wild brown and brook trout can be found in the creek, with wild brook trout being less common. The upper section of stream is small and brushed line; as you travel below Route 20, the stream becomes wider and more open. This area from Route 20 to Fayetteville has the most suitable habitat for trout and is thus a popular fishing area. From Fayetteville downstream, the stream slows down and widens further. There are some trout in this area, but warmwater species begin to become more common. Most of the fishing pressure takes place during spring and early-summer shortly after the trout are stocked.
When fishing during the cold water periods of winter and early spring, concentrate on the deeper holes, fish slowly and keep baits near bottom. Sometimes fishing during the mid-day period after things have had a chance to warm up a little also helps.
Please view Fishing for Stream Trout for more advice on trout fishing.
Regulations
Inland Trout Stream Fishing Regulations Apply.
Fisheries Management
The Stocked-Extended reach from Erie Canal upstream to Route 80 is stocked by Onondaga County's Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery with 8,950 brown trout (9-14") and 1,800 brook trout (9"). The Stocked reach from Cardner Road upstream to East Road is stocked with 500 one year-old brown trout (9"), 50 two year-old brown trout (14")
