Big City Fishing
Things to Do, Destinations
and General Information
Big City Fishing
Cost: FREE
Offered: Weekends through September. 1
Weather permitting
10am-4:30pm
Where: Pier 46, Pier 84
Catch and Release
No casting
Provided: All of the necessary supplies including rods, reels and bait, as well as formal instruction.
Big City Fishing is an important tradition at Hudson River Park. This free program gives anyone 15 years old and younger the chance to fish from June to Labor Day, and is appropriate and fun for those as young as five. For those 16 and over a recreational marine fishing license is required to fish in Hudson River Park.
Beyond learning to fish, the program also provides participants with a first hand opportunity to learn about the Hudson River environment.
In a typical session, Trust staff offer a brief introduction to ecology and water quality, followed by an overview of the many fish species that live in Hudson River Park’s Estuarine Sanctuary.
Participants are also able to view plankton through microscopes; to examine live specimens – caught that morning, either in traps or on someone’s line; and to identify species from the Hudson River Park’s signature Fish Poster, which is available for purchase by contacting the Trust.
Fishing on your own...
A recreational marine fishing license is required to fish in Hudson River Park. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation imposes restrictions on the minimum size of the fish, daily possession limit, and a specified open fishing season for each fish species.
Can I eat the fish I catch? People should educate themselves about health advisories concerning the consumption of Hudson River fish.
Fishing is restricted in certain areas; please call the park for details: 212.627.2020.
NYS Fishing Regulations
NY Department of Health sport fish advisories
© 2010 Hudson River Park Trust • All rights reserved
Hudson River Park Trust • 353 West St. (at W.Houston St.), Pier 40, 2nd floor, NY, NY 10014
EMAIL • phone: 212-627-2020 • fax: 212-627-2021
