Can I Fish In The Hudson River?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can I fish in the Hudson River? In the Hudson River and tributaries north of the George Washington Bridge

from April 1 through November 30, registered anglers may keep one fish measuring between 18 and 28 inches

. [Also, see health advice on eating fish from the Hudson; children and women of childbearing years should eat no fish.]

Is it legal to fish in the Hudson River?

Anglers targeting solely freshwater species such as largemouth and smallmouth bass on the Hudson River

require only a “freshwater” license

.

Where can I fish in the Hudson River?

According to the Hudson River Foundation's records of tags returned, some of the most productive fishing spots in the NY area are

Liberty Island; South Street Seaport; Coney Island; 69th Street Pier, Brooklyn; and Liberty State Park, NJ

.

Do you need a permit to fish in the Hudson River?


You need to register if you are 16 and older and are:


Fishing for migratory fish of the sea within tidal waters of the Hudson River and its tributaries, or waters of Delaware River or Mohawk River

.

What kinda fish are in the Hudson River?


Eels, walleye, white catfish, channel catfish, and gizzard shad

caught in the tidal Hudson or Rondout Creek should not be eaten by anyone.

Where can you fish without a license in NJ?

NJ Freshwater License Requirements

That includes

public and private lakes, ponds, rivers, and creeks

. An exception is made for farmers and family members living on a farm; they don't need a license but must adhere to general fishing regulations.

Do you need license to fish in NYC?

You need a fishing license if you are 16 years and older and fishing for: species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups. Frog species by spearing, catching with the hands or by use of a club or hook.

How toxic is the Hudson River?

It's honestly just common sense to not take a dip in the Hudson River.

It's polluted with PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls — which are man-made chemicals), cadmium, sewage, urban runoff, heavy metals, pesticides, and lots and lots of bacteria

.

Are there sharks in the Hudson?


In July, a shark is reported in the Hudson River off 42nd Street

. Police as far north as Poughkeepsie are warned.

Can you fish in NYC?

Fishing Events

New York City has more than 520 miles of shoreline, as well as inland lakes in our parks, all of which offer an opportunity to participate in the fun and excitement of

freshwater and saltwater sport fishing

.

How much is NY fishing license?

Type Resident Fee Nonresident Fee Annual valid one full year (365 days) from the date of purchase

$25 (ages 16-69) $5 (ages 70+)


$50

7-day


$12


$28

1-day


$5


$10

Lifetime


$460 (ages 0-69) $65 (ages 70+)

NA

How much is the fine for fishing without a license in NY?

A violation offense under New York State's fishing or hunting laws carry a penalty varying from

$0 to $250

and up to 15 days in jail.

What size fish can you keep in New York?

Species Minimum Length
Bass, Largemouth


20 inches
Bass, Smallmouth 18 inches Bass, Striped (inland) (Hudson River, Delaware River) 36 inches Bluegill 10 inches

Can you eat catfish from the Hudson River?

According to the New York State Department of Health, Hudson River fish have “thousands of times” more chemicals than fish in surrounding waterways. The signs posted along the river recommend that

pregnant women and small children completely refrain from eating fish caught in the Hudson River.

Can you eat fish caught in NYC?

A sign along the Hudson River bears the warning. Cheap, fresh and otherwise appealing as they may seem, fish caught in the waters in and around New York City

should not be eaten without a dose of worry

.

Can you eat crabs from the Hudson River?

This makes them a fun and fairly easy species to catch and

they are very popular to eat

. The Latin name of the blue crab is Callinectes sapidus, which means “beautiful savory swimmer” and is very fitting with regards to their impressive swimming skills coupled with their culinary popularity.

Can you fish for free in NJ?


June 4 and October 22, 2022

. Beginning in 2015, the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife has offered spring and fall Free Fishing Days. In 2022 the first is Saturday, June 4, and the second Free Fishing Day is Saturday, October 22.

How much is a ticket for fishing without a license in NJ?

(1) Any person found hunting, fishing or trapping without the proper license or tag as may be required conspicuously displayed pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall be liable to a penalty of

$10

and costs, to be recovered pursuant to the provisions of Title 23, chapter 10, of the Revised Statutes.

Do you need a fishing license in NJ for catch and release?

When fishing in New Jersey,

anyone who is 16 or older needs to have a valid fishing license to fish in the fresh waters in the state

, whether you are using a handline, rod and line, or longbow and arrow. A freshwater fishing license is required even if you are fishing on privately owned lakes or other waters.

Can you night fish in NY?

Bluefish and striped bass can be found in Suffolk County's saltwaters. Snappers and blowfish can be caught while shorefishing. Saltwater fishing is permitted between sunrise and sunset.

Night Fishing Permits are available for purchase

(see below).

How many rods can you fish with in NY?

Andrew Cuomo that allows anglers to have

three rods

, instead of two, in any body of freshwater in New York. Being able to use an additional pole will increase a fisherman's chances of catching a fish.

Do you need a fishing license for catch and release in NY?


If you're 16 or older, you'll need a valid fishing license in New York if you're hoping to catch freshwater fish, frogs or freshwater baitfish

– or even to help someone else fish. A license gives you the right to take fish by several methods, including angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, nets, traps and tip-ups.

What is the dirtiest river in the US?

  • The most polluted river is River Rouge which flows into the Detroit River, as it contains around 200 pollutants such as zinc and lead. …
  • The Cuyahoga River has been said to catch fire 21 times since the early 1900s, most recently in 1969.

Is it OK to swim in the Hudson River?


Avoid swimming near or immediately downstream of any active dredging and project-related vessels on the river

. People shouldn't swim, boat or recreate in these areas because of safety concerns from boat traffic and operating equipment.

What is the dirtiest river in the world?

The

Citarum river in West Java

is considered the dirtiest river in the world. Textile factories discharge tons of untreated toxic waste into the river every day. Local residents also treat the river as a dumping ground, using the waters to dispose of excrement and household waste.

Is there alligators in the Hudson River?

Alligators.

No, not that kind of alligator

. A New York Magazine feature on the marine treasures of New York City explained that a “Hudson River alligator” is what the Coast Guard calls it when one of the wooden planks left from since demolished piers comes loose in a storm and floats through the river.

How deep is the deepest part of the Hudson River?

203′

Why can't you jump in the Hudson River?

There are parts of the river that are less safe to splash around in such as

near stormwater pipes where toxins, oils, bacteria and garbage runoffs overflow into the river after it rained

, according to NYC's clean water advocate group Riverkeeper.

Can you fish anywhere in New York?

Where can I fish near NYC?

  • The Hudson River. Location: Hudson River Park — 59th Street South to Battery Park on the Hudson River. …
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park. Location: Brooklyn — on the east shore of the East River. …
  • Crotona Park. …
  • Kissena Park. …
  • Central Park. …
  • Fishing the Atlantic Salt.

Where is the best place to fish in NY?

  1. Lake Champlain. Spanning the border between Vermont, Quebec, and the Adirondacks, this long, narrow upstate New York lake is both beautiful and bountiful. …
  2. Clear Creek, Freedom, NY. …
  3. Eastern Lake Ontario. …
  4. West Branch of Delaware River. …
  5. Cayuga Lake.

Why can't you eat fish out of the Hudson River?

How much is the fine for fishing without a license in NY?

A violation offense under New York State's fishing or hunting laws carry a penalty varying from

$0 to $250

and up to 15 days in jail.

How deep is the deepest part of the Hudson River?

203′

Are there sharks in the Hudson?


In July, a shark is reported in the Hudson River off 42nd Street

. Police as far north as Poughkeepsie are warned.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.