--- title: "New York Fishing" url: https://www.herenewyork.com/fishing-new-york-ny/ date: 2026-07-26T13:50:37-04:00 modified: 2026-07-26T14:05:44-04:00 author: "" site: "HERE New York" attribution: "HERE New York" --- # New York Fishing *Source: [HERE New York](https://www.herenewyork.com/fishing-new-york-ny/) β€” July 26, 2026 by * HERE New York # New York NY Fishing Report Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, NYSDEC regulations, and community fishing coverage for New York City lakes and rivers. Bass: Hot Bite Crappie: Active Catfish: Active 0 Waters Profiled **0** Waters Profiled **Live** Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season First Look β€’ Fishing Conditions πŸŒ’ Waxing Crescent Illumination: 80% Air Temp 66Β°F Est. Water 63Β°F Wind 11 mph Pressure 1013 as of 7:22 PM ET Good β€” increasing moonlight; fish feed actively in the morning and evening hours. 89 EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. New York City β€’ New York City NY Your Local *Fishing Resource* HERE New York is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and NYSDEC regulations across New York City. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip. Current Conditions β€’ New York Waters Species *Status* Largemouth Bass HOT Fall feeding frenzy. Bass are chasing shad and blueback herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits dominate. **Top Bait**Crankbait, Swimbait, Jig **Depth**10-20 ft structure Smallmouth Bass FAIR River smallmouth in deeper holes and pools. Slower presentations required. **Top Bait**Tube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig **Depth**Shoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft Crappie ACTIVE Pre-spawn or fall pattern. Crappie suspending over deeper structure. **Top Bait**Small Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float **Depth**12-20 ft brush Catfish ACTIVE Catfish feeding well in spring and fall. Target deeper holes and channel swings. **Top Bait**Cut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait **Depth**Channel edges, 10-30 ft Bluegill / Bream FAIR Bluegill in slower mode. Small jigs under a float near dock pilings and woody structure. **Top Bait**Cricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz) **Depth**Spawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft Trout ACTIVE Trout active in stocked waters. Cold water temperatures keep fish feeding. **Top Bait**PowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner **Depth**Stocked areas β€” designated lakes and streams Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for New York City waters. Always verify NYSDEC regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out. [Report a Bite Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-bite-update) Fishing Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/fishing) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com) [REI Co-op](https://www.rei.com/c/fishing) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/fishing) First Look Weather & *Fishing Conditions* 66F Light Rain And Fog/mist Feels like 66Β°F as of 7:22 PM ET Wind 11 mph NW Humidity 93% Pressure 1013 hPa Est. Water Temp 63Β°F Moon Waxing Crescent Sunrise / Sunset 7:07 am / 6:15 pm Location New York, NY On-the-Water Tips - Water temps in the prime range β€” bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening. - Overcast and light rain conditions are often the best fishing weather. Fish shallow and aggressive β€” bass are less wary. - Falling barometric pressure activates feeding. Fish are on the move β€” work moving baits and cover water quickly. Solunar Index Fishing *Conditions Dashboard* Air Temperature 66Β°F Optimal Bite Wind Speed 11 mph Light Breeze Barometric Pressure 1013 hPa Falling β€” Feeding! Moon Phase πŸŒ’ Good EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Extended Outlook 5-Day Fishing *Forecast* TONIGHT Showers And Thunderstorms 60Β° / 50Β° 19 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity SLOW SAT Chance Light Rain then Mostly Cloudy 52Β° / 42Β° 22 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity SLOW SUN Sunny 54Β° / 46Β° 11 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity FAIR MON Mostly Sunny 58Β° / 49Β° 16 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity FAIR TUE Partly Sunny 64Β° / 53Β° 15 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD Local Experts Field *Guides* No New York-area fishing guides are listed yet. Guide Service or Charter Captain? Get listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across New York City and the HERE City Network. [List Your Guide Service](/contact/) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days β€” Best deal in New York Reach all the Fishing traffic in New York β€” it’s a deal! Find out how](#fr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL β€” we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - Local New York anglers see your business every visit Your Name * Business Name * Website URL * Email * Phone (optional) How long would you like to reserve it? Daily $1 Weekly $7 30 days $30 60 days $60 90 days $90 Lock in $1/day β€” Build my banner No payment now. We email a preview within one business day. Your launch rate is locked when you approve. Community Reviews I Fished *Here* Share Your Trip Fished a New York-area lake or river? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Water Body Fished * Select a water body... Other Lake / Pond Other River / Creek Your First Name * How Was the Fishing? * (280 characters max) Species Caught Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill / Bream Trout Multiple Species Other Lure / Bait That Worked Best Spot / Area on the Water Submit Review Community Here *We...* Reel Them *In...* Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from New York anglers. Your First Name * Where Did You Catch It? Species * Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill Trout Other Weight / Length / Details Tell Us About It * (200 chars max) Photo or Video (optional, max 8MB) Submit Catch Cast Them *Cold...* Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed? Your First Name * Bar / Restaurant Name * Go-To Drink Why This Spot? * (200 chars max) Photo of the Bar or Drink (optional, max 8MB) Submit Pick Coverage Fishing News *HERE* Presented by [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Local β€” New York and New York City New YorkOfficialNew York fishingNo new New York-area fishing stories this week. Check current New York fishing rules from the state wildlife agency, and watch this page for the next local report. [View All New York Fishing Coverage β†’](https://www.herenewyork.com/?s=fishing) More at Outdoor Sports Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for New York and New York City NY [See All at Outdoor Sports](/outdoor-sports/) Partner [Advertise Here](/section-sponsorship/) Tackle, Rods and Reels Essential *Gear HERE* Gear reviews and picks for the New York angler β€” rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for New York City NY waters. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=herenewyork-20 Shop our hand-picked fishing gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Gear Reviews β€” Tested for New York City NY Waters As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=herenewyork-20 Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with… Rod Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $26.96 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=herenewyork-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=herenewyork-20 HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B… Lure Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $22.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=herenewyork-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=herenewyork-20 Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in… Reel Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $129.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=herenewyork-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=herenewyork-20 Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an… Fish Finder Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $159.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=herenewyork-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=herenewyork-20 Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS … Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS …. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1399.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=herenewyork-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=herenewyork-20 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY… Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1699.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=herenewyork-20) Tackle Shop, Guide Service, or Marina? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network β€” 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/contact/) NYSDEC NYSDEC *Regulations* License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for New York City waters. Always verify current regulations at dec.ny.gov. NY Fishing Licenses Freshwater license Required at age 16+. Marine Fishing Registry Free enrollment required at 16+ for saltwater fishing. [Buy a license β€” NYSDEC](https://dec.ny.gov/) Bag & Size Limits β€” New York Waters Black Bass (largemouth & smallmouth) Β· Freshwater 5 per day **Size:**12" minimum Harvest season June 15 – Nov. 30. Source: [NYSDEC Statewide Freshwater Seasons, Sizes & Limits](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations/statewide-season-sizes-catch-limits) Trout (streams) Β· Freshwater 5 per day, no more than 2 over 12" **Size:**Any size Season April 1 – Oct. 15. Source: [NYSDEC Statewide Freshwater Seasons, Sizes & Limits](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations/statewide-season-sizes-catch-limits) Walleye Β· Freshwater 5 per day **Size:**15" minimum Season May 1 – March 15. Source: [NYSDEC Statewide Freshwater Seasons, Sizes & Limits](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations/statewide-season-sizes-catch-limits) Northern Pike Β· Freshwater 5 per day **Size:**18" minimum Source: [NYSDEC Statewide Freshwater Seasons, Sizes & Limits](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations/statewide-season-sizes-catch-limits) Crappie Β· Freshwater 25 per day **Size:**10" minimum Source: [NYSDEC Statewide Freshwater Seasons, Sizes & Limits](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations/statewide-season-sizes-catch-limits) Sunfish Β· Freshwater 25 per day **Size:**Any size Yellow perch: 50 per day. Source: [NYSDEC Statewide Freshwater Seasons, Sizes & Limits](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations/statewide-season-sizes-catch-limits) Striped Bass β€” marine waters Β· Saltwater 1 per day (Apr. 15 – Dec. 15) **Size:**28"–31" slot Includes the Hudson River south of the George Washington Bridge. Inline circle hooks with bait. Source: [NYSDEC Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/saltwater-fishing/recreational-fishing-regulations) Summer Flounder (fluke) Β· Saltwater 3 per day (May 4 – Oct. 15) **Size:**19" May 4 – Aug. 1; 19.5" Aug. 2 – Oct. 15 Source: [NYSDEC Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/saltwater-fishing/recreational-fishing-regulations) Black Sea Bass Β· Saltwater 3 per day May 16 – Aug. 31; 6 per day Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 **Size:**16" minimum Source: [NYSDEC Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/saltwater-fishing/recreational-fishing-regulations) Scup (porgy) Β· Saltwater 30 per day (May 1 – Dec. 31) **Size:**9.5" shore; 11" vessel Party/charter limits differ. Source: [NYSDEC Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/saltwater-fishing/recreational-fishing-regulations) Special Rules & Alerts for New York Waters - New York City park lakes and ponds are catch-and-release only (NYSDEC Region 2). Regulations shown are for general reference (checked 2026-10-16). Special rules apply on many individual lakes and rivers. Always verify current rules with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at **dec.ny.gov** before keeping fish. Spawn Timing & Key Dates Season *Calendar* Apr 15 – Dec 15, 2026 Striped Bass β€” marine waters Slot 28"–31", 1 fish. Applies from the Hudson south of the George Washington Bridge. Inline circle hooks with bait. NY marine waters incl. NYC harbor Apr 1 – Nov 30, 2026 Striped Bass β€” Hudson River north of GWB Slot 23"–28", 1 fish. Hudson River above GWB May 4 – Oct 15, 2026 Summer Flounder (Fluke) 3 fish; 19" May 4 – Aug 1, 19.5" Aug 2 – Oct 15. NY marine waters May 16 – Dec 31, 2026 Black Sea Bass 16"; 3 fish May 16 – Aug 31, 6 fish Sept 1 – Dec 31. NY marine waters May 1 – Dec 31, 2026 Scup (Porgy) Shore 9.5", vessel 11"; 30 fish (party/charter limits differ). NY marine waters Apr 1 – 30, 2026; Oct 15 – Dec 22, 2026 Tautog (Blackfish) β€” NY Bight Region 16"; 2 fish in April, 4 fish Oct 15 – Dec 22. NYC harbor/ocean side. NY Bight Region Apr 1 – 30, 2026; Oct 11 – Dec 9, 2026 Tautog (Blackfish) β€” Long Island Sound Region 16"; 2 fish in April, 3 fish Oct 11 – Dec 9. East of the Throgs Neck Bridge. Long Island Sound Region Apr 1 – May 30, 2026 Winter Flounder 12", 2 fish. NY marine waters Sep 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027 Atlantic Cod 23", 5 fish. NY marine waters Year-Round Bluefish No size limit; 5 fish (7 on licensed party/charter boats). NY marine waters Jun 15 – Nov 30, 2026 Black Bass (freshwater) 12", 5 fish. Dec 1 – Jun 14 catch-and-release with artificial lures only. Statewide inland Year-Round NYC park lakes β€” catch and release only All fish, all year, catch and release: Central Park waters, Prospect Park Lake, Van Cortlandt Lake, Indian Lake (Crotona), Baisley, Kissena, Meadow, Oakland, Willow, Brooks, Clove, Silver and Willowbrook lakes. NYC (DEC Region 2) Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical New York City water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. NYSDEC trout stocking schedules are published annually β€” visit dec.ny.gov for exact dates and stocking locations. Questions and Answers Fishing *FAQ* Common questions about fishing in the New York area, answered. - Do I need a fishing license to fish in New York NY? Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a NY fishing license to fish public waters in New York City. NY residents get a resident license; non-residents pay a higher fee. Licenses are available at dec.ny.gov or at local sporting goods and tackle shops. Two Free Fishing Days β€” May 25 (Memorial weekend) and July 4 β€” require no license. - What are the best fishing lakes near New York NY? New York City has multiple public fishing lakes. Consult NYSDEC for a full lake-by-lake breakdown covering largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and bream. Municipal lakes may require a boating permit from New York Water β€” check locally before launching. - When is the best time to fish for crappie in New York? The best crappie fishing in New York City is during the spring spawn, which typically runs from late March through April when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees F. Fish move into shallower water (2-6 feet) around structure, brush piles, and bridge pilings. A second run occurs in fall (October-November) when fish stage deeper at 12-18 feet as water cools. - Can you kayak fish on New York City lakes? Yes β€” kayak fishing is well-suited for New York lakes, especially smaller electric-only water bodies. State-park lakes often offer kayak and canoe rentals and allow human-powered craft without a boating permit. Local rivers frequently offer scenic float trips combining paddling and bass fishing. Consult NYSDEC for blueway maps and put-in/take-out points. - What species can I catch in the local rivers? Rivers near New York typically hold a diverse bass fishery β€” largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, and rock bass in rocky shoals. Catfish (channel, blue, flathead) are common. Consult NYSDEC for stocking history and fly-fishing recommendations. Wade fishing at road crossings and kayak floats are the most productive approaches. - Do New York lakes get trout stocked? NYSDEC stocks select New York City waters with trout, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable. Stocking locations and schedules are posted annually on the NYSDEC website at https://dec.ny.gov/ β€” search for the freshwater trout stocking report. The standard trout bag limit is 5 per day during stocking season. Check the current NYSDEC schedule for specific lakes and streams stocked near New York. ITS ALL HERE! Fishing News Near You![THE HERE CITY NETWORK](https://www.herecity.com)[Newport, RI](https://www.herenewport.com/fishing/) [Providence, RI](https://www.hereprovidence.com/fishing/) [Boston, MA](https://www.hereboston.com/fishing/) [Washington, DC](https://www.herewashingtondc.com/fishing/) [Outer Banks, NC](https://www.hereobx.com/fishing/) [Raleigh, NC](https://www.hereraleigh.com/fishing/) [Greensboro, NC](https://www.heregreensboro.com/fishing/) [Detroit, MI](https://www.heredetroitmi.com/fishing/) [Plymouth, MI](https://www.hereplymouth.com/fishing/) [Northville, MI](https://www.herenorthville.com/fishing/)