Fishing at the Harlem Meer

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

Please check the Central Park Conservancy’s Alerts page before heading out to fish, as fishing areas are often temporarily closed due to algae blooms or other environmental concerns.

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.

Program Info & Hours

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. 

Borrowing poles is available Wednesday through Sunday between 10:00 and 3:00 PM. Poles must be returned by 4:00 PM. The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center is open Wednesday through Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Equipment & Bait

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 heading out.