GONE FISHING
IN NEW YORK CITY!

I know what you are thinking, fishing in New York City? Few people realize that the waters in and around the Big Apple are terrific for fishing! From the Hudson River to many spots for catch-and-release freshwater fishing, the five boroughs are a fisherman’s delight.

The rivers, lakes and ponds of New York City are home to quite a large and diverse fish population. Along the bulkheads on the Hudson River you can angle for striped bass and Prospect Park contains the largest concentration of largemouth bass in the state! So get your rods and reels ready and let’s Fish New York!

1) Van Cortland Lake
Riverdale, Bronx
Located in the southeast corner of Van Cortland Park is the Bronx’s largest freshwater lake. This beautiful man-made fishing hole was formed in the 1690s when Jacobus Van Cortlandt dammed Tibbetts Brook to power to mills. Besides great fishing, there are also scores of ducks, a few swans and other waterfowl.

Van Cortland Park also has large playing fields and playgrounds, and a nice trail through the forest along Tibbets Brook. There are also riding stables and a golf course, in case some member of the family do not want to fish. The 1 and 4 trains both go to this park, and for more information please call 718-430-1890.

Species of Fish: Carp and Bullhead Catfish

2) Harlem Meer
Central Park, Manhattan
The world famous Central Park is also home to some unique fishing opportunities. Believe it or not, the Harlem Meer, located at the north end of the park, is home to over 50,000 different fish from varied species. Surrounding the 11-acre Meer are some of the Park’s most impressive trees: oak, bald cypress, beech and ginkgo. While you fish, gaze at the beautiful scenery, with roses, hydrangeas, pickerel weed and irises spilling down to the water’s edge.

If you are in town visiting, they offer free bamboo poles and corn kernels or dough balls in exchange for your valid ID. But come early, as only 90 poles are distributed each day. Located near 112th street, the Harlem Meer is also home to the Dana Discovery Center. This family fun center offers educational and community programs and also provides an instructional booklet for fishing the Meer.

Species of Fish: Carp, Chain Pickerel, Golden Shiner, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Bluegill and Redbreasted Sunfish

Catch-and-Release Fishing at Central Park
April to October; Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Call 212-860-1370 for more information.

3) 90th Street & 107th Street Pier
East River, Manhattan
You do not have to leave Manhattan to find quality river fishing—urban anglers on the Upper East Side have great locations in their own backyard. Located on the John Finley Walk Way along FDR Drive is a great spot located on 90th Street. This bank fishing spot is located just north of Carl Schurz Park and Gracie Mansion.

If pier fishing is more your thing, then head on up to the landmark 107th Street Pier. Originally built in 1937, this 270-foot-long pier underwent extensive remodeling in 1987. Complete with roof and electrical lighting, this location offers a safe and fun place to do a little night fishing.

Species of Fish: Stripped Bass, Bluegills, Blues, Porgy, Snappers and Flounders

4) Wolfe’s Pond, Staten Island
Located near the southern tip of State Island is this beautiful pond just a stone’s throw away from the Atlantic Ocean. Just off Hylan Boulevard, this freshwater spot is located in a stunning 170-acre park, with beaches for swimming right next door! Known for its large bass population. Wolfe’s Pond Park also offers excellent hiking, biking and even a model yacht pond. For more information, please call 718-984-8266.

Species of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Bullhead Catfish

5) Prospect Park Lake,
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
It might be hard to believe, but Prospect Park Lake is the whole state’s leading bass fishing lake. With the largest concentration of stocked bass, there is no reason to leave the city to catch a water hog. Located in Brooklyn’s “Urban Forest,” this 60-acre man-made lake offers the some of best freshwater fishing in New York City. While you can rent a paddle boat or take a ride on a large electrical one, private boats and fishing from paddle boats is strictly prohibited.

A popular spot known as “The Peninsula” has recently been renovated, offering beautiful vantage points to cast off from. Though a lot of old timers occupy the benches lining the shore, you can still find a spot to fish the afternoon away and catch huge largemouth bass. All fishing is catch-and-release and centered around the Prospect Park Audubon Center at the Boathouse. Countless buses and trains go to Prospect Park, including the 2, 3, B, F, Q and S trains. For more information, call the Audubon Center at 718-287-3400.

Species of Fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Bullhead Catfish, Chain Pickerel, Muskie and Carp

Before you go:
If you saltwater fish, you do not need a license. For freshwater fishing, anyone 16 years of age o r older is required to have a New York State Freshwater Fishing License and must follow the fishing regulations of NYS.

Rules:
1. All fishing is catch and release.
2. No lead weights are allowed.
3. Only barbless hooks can be used.
4. All line fragments and used hooks must be disposed of properly.
5. No trapping of any fish, including bait, is permitted.

Get your NYS Freshwater Fishing Licence at:
Urban Angler
206 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10010
212-689-6400

Rods, Reels and More

Capitol Fishing Tackle
132 West 36th Street
New York, NY 10018
212-929-6132
www.capitolfishing.com

Bernie’s Fishing Tackle
3035 Emmons Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11235
718-646-7600
www.berniesfishing.com

Party Boats & Charters
Here is list of charter boats and captains ready to take you on an off-shore adventure.

Angler 718-659-8181
Big M Express 917-822-6770
Blue Sea 718-332-9148
Canvasback 917-445-3172
Capt Dave 917-251-2628
Capt Mike 516-536-3100
Flamingo 718-763-8745
KarenAnn 718-634-4669
Sea Queen 917-642-0265
Sea Wolf 718-356-7556
Venice Marina 718-646-9283

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