Fishing at the Harlem Meer

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Fishing in the Meer

*The Central Park Conservancy has canceled this program until further notice in keeping with recommendations on social distancing from public health officials. Check our Covid-19 page for updates.

Catch-and-release fishing at the Harlem Meer is free for families and individuals. The Harlem Meer is a thriving aquatic ecosystem that supports a wide variety of fish, waterfowl, turtles, plants and microorganisms. Some of the fish living in the Meer include large-mouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill sunfish, carp, and chain pickerel.

Location: MAP | Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, East Side at 109th Street.

PLEASE NOTE: The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center is still closed due to Covid-19. Individuals are allowed to fish on their own and will need to bring their own gear. All rules concerning bait, hooks and catch & release, still apply. 

Equipment & Bait Information

Fishing poles are available to borrow (CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE) as part of the catch and release program at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. Instruction and complimentary fish bait are also provided. A picture ID is required. Fishing poles must be returned within one hour of the close.

The use of barbs on hooks, lead sinkers and overhead casting rods is strictly prohibited. Monofilament line should be properly discarded of to avoid harming wildlife.

Please fish with fish bait (corn kernels) such as that from the Dana Center ONLY. The use of bread products and hot dogs as bait is discouraged as it has been found to be harmful to both the wildlife and the water bodies.

Rules & Regulations

Please visit our Fishing page and read all rules, regulations and license information prior to going.