East River, NY

East River is a long and narrow body that has a length of approximately 16 miles. It is known to connect the south end of NY harbor to Long Island Sound’s north end, separating Queens from the Bronx and Manhattan from Queens and Brooklyn. Contrary to common misconception, the East River isn’t actually a river. It’s called a “Salt Water Tidal Strait,” given that it connects two bodies of water and doesn’t have fresh water in it. 

In the previous years, fishing in the East River has been strongly advised against because of the pollution caused by untreated sewage, ground runoff, and the accumulation of garbage. But with recent rehabilitation efforts, East River is now in the process of recovery. Although it still is not safe to swim and drink water from it, East River is now safe for boating and recreational fishing activities. However, eating fish from the East River is still not recommended. 

All About Fishing in East River, NY

With the East River tides changing depending on the time of day, salinity levels throughout the East River stretch vary. Due to this, there is a diversity of fish species that gets trapped in it. Although a few freshwater species are spotted from time to time, they are not migrating species but are just swept in and usually do not survive. The variety of fish commonly seen by local anglers includes striped bass, oyster toadfish, white perch, Atlantic needlefish, crappie, American eel, and fluke. There have also been occasional sightings of goldfish that grow as much as 4 pounds due to locals discarding their unwanted pets.

The popularity of urban fishing has slowly been rising, especially after the East River rehabilitation efforts begun. Fishing has become a popular recreational activity for anglers looking to enjoy and relax, despite the business of New York City. Most urban anglers use spinning, tackling, and baitcasting techniques, which is perfect since East River comprises a vast shoreline that anglers could hang out in. Using traps and lead weights to catch fish and other marine species is strictly prohibited. The NY Health Department also advised that fishing should only be catch and release, given that the water is not entirely safe yet, especially in the freshwater areas. Brooklyn Bridge Park is most frequented by urban anglers due to its accessibility if they are coming from Manhattan and its spectacular views and relaxing ambiance. There are also bait stations in development as an effort to support the angler community. One of them is already open for public use located in East Harlem’s East River Esplanade. 

Fishing Seasonality

Although East River’s vast diversity of fish species allows local anglers to enjoy recreational fishing all year round, the abundance of fish begins around April of each year. Species such as striped bass are very common and relatively easy to find. They do tend to grow large, which adds thrill to local anglers. Bass and white perch could spawn as early as Spring. East River’s popular gamefish, the summer flounder or fluke, spawns around May. During summer, anglers catch more crappie and Atlantic needlefish. When tides are lower, anglers commonly find oyster toadfish swept between rocks or near the shoreline, waiting for the high tide to sweep them back. During the winter season, weather conditions in New York tend to be harsh, especially when it begins to snow. Luckily, anglers still have a chance to catch an American eel, but it might not be that easy due to ice forming in the water occasionally when the water temperatures are lower. 

Fishing Seasonality

Although East River’s vast diversity of fish species allows local anglers to enjoy recreational fishing all year round, the abundance of fish begins around April of each year. Species such as striped bass are very common and relatively easy to find. They do tend to grow large, which adds thrill to local anglers. Bass and white perch could spawn as early as Spring. East River’s popular gamefish, the summer flounder or fluke, spawns around May. During summer, anglers catch more crappie and Atlantic needlefish. When tides are lower, anglers commonly find oyster toadfish swept between rocks or near the shoreline, waiting for the high tide to sweep them back. During the winter season, weather conditions in New York tend to be harsh, especially when it begins to snow. Luckily, anglers still have a chance to catch an American eel, but it might not be that easy due to ice forming in the water occasionally when the water temperatures are lower. 

All About Fishing in East River, NY

With the East River tides changing depending on the time of day, salinity levels throughout the East River stretch vary. Due to this, there is a diversity of fish species that gets trapped in it. Although a few freshwater species are spotted from time to time, they are not migrating species but are just swept in and usually do not survive. The variety of fish commonly seen by local anglers includes striped bass, oyster toadfish, white perch, Atlantic needlefish, crappie, American eel, and fluke. There have also been occasional sightings of goldfish that grow as much as 4 pounds due to locals discarding their unwanted pets.

The popularity of urban fishing has slowly been rising, especially after the East River rehabilitation efforts begun. Fishing has become a popular recreational activity for anglers looking to enjoy and relax, despite the business of New York City. Most urban anglers use spinning, tackling, and baitcasting techniques, which is perfect since East River comprises a vast shoreline that anglers could hang out in. Using traps and lead weights to catch fish and other marine species is strictly prohibited. The NY Health Department also advised that fishing should only be catch and release, given that the water is not entirely safe yet, especially in the freshwater areas. Brooklyn Bridge Park is most frequented by urban anglers due to its accessibility if they are coming from Manhattan and its spectacular views and relaxing ambiance. There are also bait stations in development as an effort to support the angler community. One of them is already open for public use located in East Harlem’s East River Esplanade.