New York, NY Fishing: Fishing in the Greatest City on Earth

Discover amazing angling experiences, both freshwater and saltwater in the greatest city on earth, New York, NY.

New York, NY Fishing: Fishing in the Greatest City on Earth
New York, NY Fishing: Fishing in the Greatest City on Earth
Team Guidesly

October 25, 2021, 7 min read

Updated on October 24, 2021

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When we think of fishing, the city of New York might be the furthest place on our minds. But it is worth noting that this great city is one of the biggest natural harbors in the world, situated right at the mouth of the Hudson River, emptying into the New York Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It forms a large part of the Port of New York and New Jersey, contributing largely to the city’s significance not just in the United States but the entire world.

Ever since the Dutch colonists turned New York City into a trading post, it has become a symbol of freedom and opportunity for people worldwide, especially with the Statue of Liberty greeting the immigrants who arrive at the harbor by ship or boat. To this day, New York City is an emblem not just of freedom and opportunity, but also of cultural diversity and creativity. It is consistently ranked among the greatest cities in the world and is still one of the most-visited tourist destinations.

However, when we think of traveling to New York City, what comes to mind are the usual tourist attractions such as Times Square, Broadway, and the Empire State Building. We often don’t realize the fact that New York City has more than 500 miles of shoreline, not to mention the many inland lakes in the parks all over the city. So, on your next trip to the city that never sleeps, consider grabbing your fishing gear along and experience angling in the greatest city on earth - who knows, you might just experience the greatest city fishing of your life.

New York Fishing

Take your urban fishing experience to the next level in New York City. Here you can enjoy both saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities at every turn and every borough. Do note though that freshwater fishing in the whole of New York City is on a catch-and-release basis only and requires the use of barbless hooks which are easier to remove and cause fewer injuries. There are separate saltwater fishing regulations as well, so do make sure to do your research before casting a line.

New York City is divided into five boroughs, each of which has fishing opportunities you might want to explore. First up is the Bronx. At Crotona Park, you will find a 3-acre lake at Crotona Park East and Charlotte Street. It’s known as a quiet and solitary spot flanked with a diverse range of tree species and gifted with a nice number of places to cast a line. Some of the fish you can find here include largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, and bluegill. Most anglers go to the east side deck to fish, but if you want a little more peace just walk along the paved paths and cast on the shoreline.

Slightly bigger than the lake at Crotona Park, the 18-acre lake at Van Cortland Park, which you can spot at Bailey Ave and Van Cortlandt Park South, is home to brown bullhead, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and black crappie. Its shoreline includes both flat grass and sloping spots in the forest. Anglers report catching plenty of largemouth bass in the area during nighttime, but the big ones can be caught with swimbaits during the midday.

For brackish water fishing, fish from the pier at Hunts Point Riverside Park which is upstream from the mouth of the Bronx River. For saltwater fishing with a view, go to Castle Hill Park, but if you want to challenge yourself, go to Pelham Bay Park where you will find a waterfront on the east side of the Aileen B. Ryan Recreational Complex. From its rocky shoreline, you will have fun targeting striped bass.

In Brooklyn, the best place to fish while enjoying the iconic Manhattan skyline is the Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can fish the East River via Pier 5. It attracts plenty of fish species, but the most popularly targeted here are striped bass and largemouth bass, along with some panfish.

Still in Brooklyn, Prospect Park is another fishing prospect you should not miss. Here you can fish the 55-acre lake that’s home to a variety of warm-water fish species. You can find this lake on the south side of the park, between St. Paul’s Place and Prospect Park SW. It arguably has some of the best largemouth bass fishing in the city. Other species you can find in the lake include yellow perch, pumpkinseed carp, black crappie, chain pickerel, bluegill, and golden shiner

Even more striped bass can be caught at Valentino Pier at Redhook. The Redhook district was once one of the most important shipping centers in the world, and the whole area celebrates this heritage. Along with bass, you can target fluke, weakfish, and bluefish in the area while being surrounded by iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor. 

If you want to head out for some deep-sea fishing, you can do no wrong at Sheepshead Bay, where there are plenty of pro fishing charters ready to take you out to sea. The bay offers some great fishing for trophy striped bass, fluke, bluefish, and sometimes even shark. 

In Manhattan, anglers should go to the Hudson River Park which stretches from 59th Street South to Battery Park. Here you can fish the Hudson River while enjoying views of the city. This river is home to over 70 types of fish such as perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, river herring, American eel, and American shad. The park also offers free fishing programs for children five and up. 

For even more tranquil freshwater fishing in Manhattan, don’t forget Central Park. Here you can fish the productive Harlem Meer, situated in the northeast corner of Central Park. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, grass carp, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, and pike. It is a great place to try some fly-fishing or even tenkara-fishing.

In Queens, the best place to fish is Kissena Park. It has an 8-acre lake surrounded by lush greenery and vegetation, making it a comfortable home for species such as pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, common carp, largemouth bass, and brown bullhead. Do be careful when fishing, though, because the lake is also home to turtles which you might accidentally reel in.

Staten Island also offers great freshwater and saltwater fishing spots. At Clove Lakes Park alone, there are plenty of lakes and ponds where anglers can fish for largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, carp, and brown bullhead. Wolfe’s Pond Park, on the other hand, offers saltwater and freshwater fishing. Anglers have a choice to fish in the interior of the park or along the beach on the south shore.

 

Top 10 Fish Species in New York, NY

The top 10 fish species to target in New York, NY are largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, striped bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, common carp, bluefish, and fluke.

Seasonal Fishing

The best months to fish in New York City is from April to October. However, the peak months are usually from June to September. Fishing for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, for example, starts around mid-June and lasts until November. Mid-June is also when striped bass hit their stride, though fishing for them typically starts in April. Fish species such as black crappie, yellow perch, and sunfish can be caught all year round. 

Explore the Best of New York

New York City is a tourist hotspot for a reason. Not only does it have some of the most iconic landmarks, but it is also home to a vibrant and diverse community and an inexhaustible creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

1. Book A Fishing Charter

Know exactly where the fish are biting in New York City by booking a local fishing charter. Having a professional guide by your side will help you maximize your fishing trip and will guarantee your safety.

2. Go on Different Guided Tours

New York City is a big city with so much to offer. Don’t just scratch the surface; book a guided tour to see each sight up close and personal. Go on an ExperienceFirst guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, do a food tour of the different boroughs, or join movie- and TV-themed tours such as the ever-popular Sex and the City tour, the Gossip Girl tour, and even The Sopranos tour.

3. See Some of the World’s Best Museums

A trip to New York City will not be complete without seeing its museums. Some of the most iconic include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the American Museum of Natural History.

Fish in New York and beyond.