Sport Fishing in New York City Parks
With over 29,000 acres of parkland to enjoy, it’s easy to forget that New York City is surrounded by water. And if you’re looking to escape the bustle of the city for a few hours in the outdoors, there’s no better way to do it than to GO FISH!
Our city’s over 500 miles of shoreline and its inland lakes and rivers offer a world of opportunities to participate in the fun, adventure, and excitement of fresh- and saltwater sport fishing.
Each borough boasts it own unique fishing spots. Veteran anglers have their favorite “holes,” the locations of which are often closely held secrets. Old timers who have fished off City piers since they were kids are always willing to share stories ripe with local color and history. From piers and beaches, to lakes and rivers, New York City’s waters challenge and welcome both the salt- and freshwater angler.
Van Cortlandt Park
Van Cortlandt Lake
1 Train to 242nd Street/Van Cortlandt Park station. Walk east through park to lake.
Crotona Park
Indian Lake
2 or 5 Train to 174th Street, walk downstairs, under train platform and across Boston Rd. Make a left and follow Boston to Charlotte, make a right, Park and Lake are straight ahead.
Prospect Park
Prospect Park Lake
Take the F Train to Fort Hamilton Parkway. Walk 3 blocks east to park entrance at intersection of Prospect Park SW and Parkside Avenue.
Take the Q, B or S (shuttle from A,C) Train to Prospect Park/Empire Boulevard-Flatbush Avenue.
Central Park
Harlem Meer
2 or 3 Train to 110th Street/Central Park. Walk south into park.
Central Park Lake
B or C train to 72nd Street Station. Walk east into park.
Central Park Pond
N, R or W train to 5th Avenue Station. Walk northwest into park.
NOTE: The reservoir is closed to fishing.
Baisley Pond Park
Baisley Pond
E, J or 2 Train to Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer. Take the Q111 bus to Guy R Brewer Boulevard and Baisley Boulevard. Walk or take the Q113 bus southwest along Baisley Boulevard to park.
Kissena Park
Kissena Lake
7 Train to Main Street/Flushing station. At station, take the Q26 bus to 46th Avenue and 164th Street (Pidgeon Meadow Road). Walk 2 blocks south to park entrance on Oak Avenue or take the Q65 bus to 164th and Lithonia Avenue and walk east into park.
Alley Pond Park
Oakland Lake
F Train to Main Street/Flushing station. At station, take the Q12 bus to intersection of Northern Boulevard and 223rd Street. Walk south to park.
Clove Lakes Park
Clove Lake
1 or 9 Train to Whitehall Street/South Ferry station. Take Ferry to St.George terminal. At terminal, take the S61 or S91 bus to intersection of Clove Road and Victory Boulevard. Walk west to park.
Wolfe's Pond Park
Wolfe’s Pond
1 or 9 Train to Whitehall Street/South Ferry station. Take Ferry to St. George terminal. At terminal, board the S78 to the intersection of Hylan Boulevard and Cornelia Avenue. Walk south along Cornelia to park entrance.
Visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website to get all the details you’ll need to get the best out of every fishing excursion. Information can be found on the following topics:
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Locations of Freshwater Fishing Areas |
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Contour Maps for Selected Lakes in New York City |
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Tips for Catch and Release (Freshwater Regulations) |
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Licenses and Permits |
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I FISH NY Programs in New York City |
Fishing Regulations
By observing the following regulations when fishing in waters under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, you will help preserve our marine resources for future generations to enjoy. For state and federal regulations of which you should be aware, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.
(The following is an excerpt from Section §1-05 Regulated Uses of the Rules & Regulations of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.)
(h) Fishing
- Fishing shall be permitted from locations under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, except in open swimming areas or where specifically prohibited.
Any person who engages in fishing shall obey all posted guidelines and comply with all applicable City, State, and Federal laws and regulations, including Title 6 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law.
- The use of lead fishing weights in waters under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation shall be a violation of these rules.
- Failure to remove fishing line fragments and hooks from land and waters under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation shall be a violation of these rules.
- All fish caught in freshwater areas shall be immediately released. The use of barbed hooks in such areas shall be a violation of these rules.
- The use of traps to catch fish and/or crustaceans in areas under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation shall be a violation of these rules.
Fishing from a Boat
If your interest tends toward saltwater fishing on the water, New York City’s charter fishing boats serve every borough. They set out daily to fish the waters of the New York bight -- Jamaica Bay, Gerritsen, Great Kills, Long Island Sound, and beyond for blues, fluke, “stripers,” porgies, and blackfish. Whether you prefer getting out at sunrise, or enjoying a little night fishing, the professional captains will take you where the fish are. For charter and party boat information, pick up a copy of The Long Island Fisherman or other local fishing weekly at your local newsstand.
Related Information
Macy's Fishing Contest in Prospect Park
The Macy's Fishing Contest, which takes place every summer in Brooklyn’s historic Prospect Park, is a free four-day event open to kids ages 15 and under. Since 1947, the competition has brought kids from all over the city to the shores of Prospect Park Lake to try their luck at snagging a prize-winning catfish, carp, largemouth bass, yellow perch, or bluegill. All fish caught are released back into the lake. There are daily prizes, as well as the grand prize-- a family fishing trip to Sheepshead Bay! The event also offers a variety of other outdoor activities for kids and their families to enjoy. Parks provides all the equipment and bait.