About Hempstead Harbor, NY

Hempstead Harbor is a V-shaped bay that hugs the northern coast of Long Island, New York, and borders Long Island Sound’s western portion. It runs 5 miles long and encompasses 14 miles of shoreline from the westside Prospect Point to the eastside Matinecock Point. 

Surrounded by the homes of wealthy industrialists and financiers in Glen Cove and Sea Cliff, Hempstead Harbor is the scenery for these two towns. It is economically important for this region as it is where fuel is transported. Even during the early colonization period up until the 20th century, the harbor served this purpose for transporting goods from the surrounding areas that would be shipped to different destinations in New York City and beyond.

In the farther north, there had been a massive sand and gravel mining operation beginning in the 1800s for urban infrastructure development. This operation, plus that of an asphalt plant near the head of Glen Cove Creek, caused pollution, which environmentalists have long expressed their concern about. Now, there have been ongoing restoration efforts around the harbor to improve water quality, remove invasive species, and revive wetlands.

These economic activities have long coexisted with recreational activities such as marinas, yacht clubs, and fishing clubs in the middle portion of the harbor that continue to thrive at present. There are also parks and nature preserves along the harbor that lets anyone explore the local waters, go for a trail, and even do bird watching.

All About Fishing in Hempstead Harbor, NY

Hempstead Harbor is categorized into lower harbor, middle harbor, and outer harbor, which pertains to the depth of the water in these areas. The lower harbor is the shallowest area and only shellfish can be found, but take note that commercial shellfishing is prohibited in the area. As you approach the middle harbor, crustaceans such as blue crab and horseshoe crab can be found. It is also in this area where tidal flushing and turbid water are present. The outer harbor, which has the greatest depth of up to 10 meters and where there is a rocky bottom, is home to some saltwater fish species.

With rich populations of striped killifish, American sand lance, and anchovy, the harbor provides an excellent habitat for striped bass, bluefish, blackfish, scup, flounder (windowpane, winter, and fluke), Atlantic silversides and menhaden, and weakfish for nursery and feeding on the baitfish mentioned. When catching the most sought-after striped bass and other species, any fishing technique can be applied. If you’re a beginner angler or just after a relaxing fishing experience, it is recommended to do trolling. Just remember to load your boat with lowly sandworms for a winner catch. Surfcasting and fly fishing are also common in this area for anglers who prefer a more hands-on and challenging experience or those coming to spots inaccessible by boats. Just bring your best spinning and fly fishing gear on the shallow, rocky waters and hook that striper. The most popular areas for fishing are Bar Beach, Crescent Beach, Mott Cove and Point, and Dosoris Creek.

Aside from fishing, Hempstead Harbor also offers other recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and kayaking at the public beaches such as Tappen Beach Park and North Hempstead Beach Park. Walking on the six trails at Sands Point Preserve that exhibits natural and landscaped areas is also possible in the harbor.

Fishing Seasonality

If you’re after striped bass and scup, the best time to visit is between April to mid-December. When the water warms, the harbor offers numerous places for the fish to feed and hide so it is easy to catch them, especially striped bass in spring. While the harbor features winter flounder, blackfish,  in the early season (April to May), the other fish species such as fluke can be found in the late months of the year. The rest such as weakfish, bluefish, and Atlantic menhaden are available all year round.

Fishing Seasonality

If you’re after striped bass and scup, the best time to visit is between April to mid-December. When the water warms, the harbor offers numerous places for the fish to feed and hide so it is easy to catch them, especially striped bass in spring. While the harbor features winter flounder, blackfish,  in the early season (April to May), the other fish species such as fluke can be found in the late months of the year. The rest such as weakfish, bluefish, and Atlantic menhaden are available all year round.

All About Fishing in Hempstead Harbor, NY

Hempstead Harbor is categorized into lower harbor, middle harbor, and outer harbor, which pertains to the depth of the water in these areas. The lower harbor is the shallowest area and only shellfish can be found, but take note that commercial shellfishing is prohibited in the area. As you approach the middle harbor, crustaceans such as blue crab and horseshoe crab can be found. It is also in this area where tidal flushing and turbid water are present. The outer harbor, which has the greatest depth of up to 10 meters and where there is a rocky bottom, is home to some saltwater fish species.

With rich populations of striped killifish, American sand lance, and anchovy, the harbor provides an excellent habitat for striped bass, bluefish, blackfish, scup, flounder (windowpane, winter, and fluke), Atlantic silversides and menhaden, and weakfish for nursery and feeding on the baitfish mentioned. When catching the most sought-after striped bass and other species, any fishing technique can be applied. If you’re a beginner angler or just after a relaxing fishing experience, it is recommended to do trolling. Just remember to load your boat with lowly sandworms for a winner catch. Surfcasting and fly fishing are also common in this area for anglers who prefer a more hands-on and challenging experience or those coming to spots inaccessible by boats. Just bring your best spinning and fly fishing gear on the shallow, rocky waters and hook that striper. The most popular areas for fishing are Bar Beach, Crescent Beach, Mott Cove and Point, and Dosoris Creek.

Aside from fishing, Hempstead Harbor also offers other recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and kayaking at the public beaches such as Tappen Beach Park and North Hempstead Beach Park. Walking on the six trails at Sands Point Preserve that exhibits natural and landscaped areas is also possible in the harbor.