Fishing

Location: MAP | Harlem Meer, East Side, just west of the Discovery Center at 109th Street.

*The Central Park Conservancy has canceled this program through March 31, 2020 in line with recommendations on social distancing from public health officials.

Fishing is a popular community activity in Central Park, especially at the Harlem Meer which offers a youth-focused catch-and-release fishing program.

The bodies of water in Central Park support a wide variety of fish including Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Chain Pickerel, Catfish, Bass, Carp, Bluegill Sunfish, and Crayfish.

Catch-and-release fishing is allowed in Central Park at three locations:

Fishing is NOT ALLOWED at the Turtle Pond or the Reservoir.

FISHING AT HARLEM MEER 

The Harlem Meer is the preferred fishing area in the park.

  • Available year-round, conditions permitting. Call to inquire: (347) 443-0656
  • Mon to Sat from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (poles available until 3:00 pm)
  • Sun from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (poles available until 1:00pm)

Cost: Free, Groups of five or more (max 30 people) must reserve online in advance. Reserve Online Now

Fishing Equipment: 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 within one hour of the close.

YOUTH FISHING CLINICS

Details: Youth participants will learn new fishing techniques, such as baiting and casting, and enhance their fishing skills through small-group instruction. Program includes lessons in Central Park’s aquatic ecology and diverse fish species.

Cost: Free, Space is limited, advance registration required. 

For more information or to register for a session email: recreation@centralparknyc.org.

FISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS

  1. Release fish gently. All fishing is on a "catch-and-release" basis only, meaning that all fish caught must be put back into the water immediately. Please wet your hands before handling fish, and release while the fish is underwater if possible.
  2. Use safe fishing equipment. 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.
  3. Respect the turtles and waterfowl. If you see a turtle or bird near your hook, please move to another spot to avoid catching it.
  4. 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.
  5. Don't feed the wildlife. Feeding any other wildlife and digging for worms is strictly prohibited.
  6. Stay on pathways, ramps and steps next to the water. Excessive trampling of the natural shoreline and wading in the water kills the grass and causes soil erosion and compaction. This creates poor living conditions for plants, fish and other water dwellers.
  7. Visitors over age 16 using their own fishing equipment must have a fishing license. Visitors using equipment from the Dana Center do not need a fishing license. Get a fishing license here