Fishing at the Harlem Meer

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Jason Klass

Fishing in Central Park

Catch-and-release fishing at the Harlem Meer is free for families and individuals.

The Catch-and-release fishing program is suspended due to algae in the water. The program will resume again in the Spring of 2023. 

Hours: Borrowing poles is available Wednesday through Sunday between 10:00 and 3:00 PM. Poles must be returned by 4:00 PM.

Hours for Charles A. Dana Discovery Center: Wednesday through Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

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.

Equipment & Bait Information

Fishing poles are available to borrow 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 by 4:00 PM.

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.