Harlem River is a River located in New York County, NY. Starting in Bronx, NY the Harlem River flows 7 miles through New York, NY before ending in New York, NY. Find maps, fishing guides, weather and recreation information at Guidesly.

About Harlem River, NY

Harlem River is an 8-mile tidal strait located in New York City. It flows between the Hudson River and the East River and borders Manhattan and the Bronx. Locals often call Harlem River the “Forgotten Waterfront” since people don’t enjoy hanging out there due to the bad water quality caused by ground runoffs, sewage overflows, and improper garbage disposal. 

Harlem River was once a famous rowing course and the home of Columbia University’s rowing crew. The west bank of the Harlem River was also a tourist spot wherein Fort George Amusement Park was situated during the late 1800s. The amusement park’s previous location is now the seating area of Highbridge Park. In an attempt to bring back Harlem River’s glory, local government efforts are targeted towards the rehabilitation of Harlem River, both its water and its shores. Today, the Harlem River is starting to go back to life, especially with the reappearance of fish species and clear streams of water flowing through the shore. 

All About Fishing in Harlem River, NY

The success of the government’s rehabilitation efforts in Harlem River is reflected in the diversity of fish species that local anglers can now enjoy. According to anglers who have discovered the river’s rebirth, the Harlem River is rich in striped bass, bluefish, white perch, American eel, and many other species. The diversity of fish is mainly due to the number of tributaries that Harlem River has, wherein current sweeps in fish occasionally.

Although urban fishing has already been gaining popularity in most water bodies in New York, local anglers have yet to discover the hidden gem of the Harlem River. With the success of the recent rehabilitation efforts, it is obvious that the Harlem River will soon be a popular recreational fishing spot in New York. There are spots near the shore that are shallow, which anglers could quickly get to by using the right set of boots or a good pair of waders. Spinning, tackling, and baitcasting techniques are commonly used by anglers, especially those who just want to hang around Harlem River’s shores. 

Although fishing in Harlem River is encouraged, anglers are still advised only to catch and release, given that rehabilitation efforts are not yet done, and the water quality is still not up to the best standard. Using traps and lead weights is prohibited across all New York waters to prevent contamination and further garbage pollution. Bridge Park, situated on the Bronx side of the Harlem River, was recently opened to the public for locals and tourists looking to fish and enjoy amazing New York views. 

Fishing Seasonality

Harlem River and its tributaries are home to a variety of fish species. With the abundance of fish in the waters, New Yorkers are able to enjoy year-round fishing. Open waters New York typically begins around April. In New York’s waters, Striped bass, including the Harlem River, tend to grow into large sizes, making it a popular gamefish. White perch and bass spawn as early as spring. During the colder months, anglers are still able to catch an American eel. Fishing in the Harlem River during winter is a bit tricky due to the waters reaching frigid temperatures, which is why although winter fishing is a fun activity for anglers, it is not encouraged. 

Fishing Seasonality

Harlem River and its tributaries are home to a variety of fish species. With the abundance of fish in the waters, New Yorkers are able to enjoy year-round fishing. Open waters New York typically begins around April. In New York’s waters, Striped bass, including the Harlem River, tend to grow into large sizes, making it a popular gamefish. White perch and bass spawn as early as spring. During the colder months, anglers are still able to catch an American eel. Fishing in the Harlem River during winter is a bit tricky due to the waters reaching frigid temperatures, which is why although winter fishing is a fun activity for anglers, it is not encouraged. 

All About Fishing in Harlem River, NY

The success of the government’s rehabilitation efforts in Harlem River is reflected in the diversity of fish species that local anglers can now enjoy. According to anglers who have discovered the river’s rebirth, the Harlem River is rich in striped bass, bluefish, white perch, American eel, and many other species. The diversity of fish is mainly due to the number of tributaries that Harlem River has, wherein current sweeps in fish occasionally.

Although urban fishing has already been gaining popularity in most water bodies in New York, local anglers have yet to discover the hidden gem of the Harlem River. With the success of the recent rehabilitation efforts, it is obvious that the Harlem River will soon be a popular recreational fishing spot in New York. There are spots near the shore that are shallow, which anglers could quickly get to by using the right set of boots or a good pair of waders. Spinning, tackling, and baitcasting techniques are commonly used by anglers, especially those who just want to hang around Harlem River’s shores. 

Although fishing in Harlem River is encouraged, anglers are still advised only to catch and release, given that rehabilitation efforts are not yet done, and the water quality is still not up to the best standard. Using traps and lead weights is prohibited across all New York waters to prevent contamination and further garbage pollution. Bridge Park, situated on the Bronx side of the Harlem River, was recently opened to the public for locals and tourists looking to fish and enjoy amazing New York views.