Fishing

Fishing in Central Park has become a favorite community activity, 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.

  • April 1 - November 30
  • 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 20 people) must reserve online in advance. Reserve Online Now

Contact: For questions, please contact the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center at: (347) 443-0656.

Note: 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.

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

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. Only catch and release fishing is permitted in Central Park, 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. The only bait permitted for use in the ponds in Central Park is corn kernels. Items like lunchmeats or worms are a threat to the natural ecology of the pond.
  3. Do not to disturb or feed turtles or other pond inhabitants.
  4. Refrain from wading into the water or digging for bait.
  5. Feeding the wildlife and digging for worms is strictly prohibited.
  6. The use of barbed hooks, weighted lures or overhead casting rods is strictly prohibited.
  7. Catch only the fish, not the turtles and birds. If you see a turtle or bird near your hook, please move to another spot to avoid catching it.
  8. Traps for crabs or other crustaceans are not permitted.
  9. Fishing License: Anyone over the age of 15 using their own fishing equipment must acquire a fishing license to fish in the city’s freshwater lakes and rivers. Get a fishing license here