Where to Fish

General access tools that you should bookmark on your phone.

NYS DEC infoLocator & Public Fishing Rights (PFR) maps – interactive layers for trout-stream access easements, parking, and more. Great statewide. DEC Streams with Public Fishing Rights
NYS DEC “Places to Fish” and lake contours – quick species notes and maps for 400+ waters. This is also in the HuntFishNY app (“Tackle Box”). DEC Places to Fish
NYC DEP Reservoir Fishing – site displays all access points and locations for fishing on the reservoirs north of NYC. DEP Fishing Information
NY Saltwater Fishing Info - Information from NYS DEC about saltwater fishing in the state. DEC Saltwater Fishing Information
CT Saltwater Access Map – shore fishing sites, crabbing access, bait shops (striped bass/bluefish). ArcGIS Saltwater Fishing Resource Map
USGS Real-Time Streamflow – check flows before you go (trout rivers, warmwater creeks). USGS Water Data for NY
NOAA Tides & Currents – tides for the Battery, Jamaica Bay, LI South Shore (crucial for stripers). NOAA Tides and Currents
NYC Parks Fishing – rules, license info, and urban lake locations. NYC Parks Fishing
CT DEEP Where to Fish - access map, trout parks, & real-time stocking. CT DEEP Where to Fish

Nearby CT has some premier trout fishing and is doable in a day trip!

Farmington River (West Branch) – Trout Management Areas
Cold, bottom-release tailwater with year-round trout fishing; three Trout Managment Area sections with specific gear/harvest rules. Species: wild/big browns, stocked rainbows. Time from NYC: ~2–3 hours by car, limited car-free combos (train + rideshare). Use DEEP Trout Management Areas site, then check flows on USGS CT DEEP Trout Management Areas
Saugatuck / Mianus (coastal TMAs & classically stocked streams)
Good spring/fall options near Metro-North towns, Stamford, CT 🡪 uber. 1 hr from Harlem 125th to the water; Confirm current regs & access via DEEP “Where to Fish” map + stocking updates. CT DEEP Where to Fish

Live in NYC and don’t have a car? You still have some options!

Harlem Meer (Central Park) – Carp, panfish, bass. Easy subway/bus. Follow NYC Parks rules. Time from mid-Manhattan: ~10–25 min transit. NYC Parks Central Park Fishing

Prospect Park Lake (Brooklyn) – Largemouth bass, panfish, occasional pickerel. Time from mid-Manhattan: ~20–40 min via subway. NYC Parks Prospect Park Fishing
Van Cortlandt Lake (Bronx) – Bass/carp/panfish; multiple shoreline access points. Time from mid-Manhattan: ~30–50 min via subway. NYC Parks Van Cortland Park Fishing
Jamaica Bay (salt) – Wading/spots along shorelines for schoolie stripers/bluefish (check tides!). Time from mid-Manhattan: ~40–70 min transit + walk.. NYC Parks Jamaica Bay Fishing
East / West Branch Croton River (Brewster) – Brown trout, rainbow trout, carp, panfish. Metro-North to Brewster 🡪 taxi / walk / bike.
Amawalk River – Wild brown trout, wild rainbow. Metro-North to Katonah 🡪 walk, bike, taxi, uber. Fishing In Westchester County

This is a short list of local spots and what fish you can best target at those spots.

Urban still waters (NYC parks):
- Carp - bread, buggy flies
- Bass - streamers, poppers
- Bluegill/crappie - small nymphs, soft hackles

Long Island / CT
- Trout - Nymphs (Perdigons, PTs),, small streamers, olives, sulphurs
Saltwater (NYC / LI):
- Clousers, flatwings, baitfish

Have a little more time and want to get out to Long Island?

Connetquot River State Park Preserve (East Islip) – Fly-fishing only spring-creek experience with reservation system. Species: stocked browns/rainbows that often behave like spring-creek fish. Getting there: LIRR to Great River, short rideshare to gate, or drive. Connetquot River State Park Info

Southaven County Park area - Carmans River – Trout in season; also warmwater stretches. Use DEC maps and county access info. Suffolk County Parks Info
South Shore surf (Jones Beach / Fire Island) – Striped bass/bluefish (spring/fall runs).

Make sure you are ready before heading out!

Be Legal!
- Get your fishing license: NY Fishing License, CT Fishing License
- Use barbless hooks where required
- Check local regulations for the body of water you plan on fishing!
Check Flows, Tides, Stocking the night before
- USGS Water Data for NY
- NOAA Tides and Currents
Pack accordingly
- Trout
  - 4–5 weight,
  - nymphs/drys/streamers
- Carp / Bass
  - 6-8 weight
  - buggers, crawdads, poppers
- Saltwater
  - 7-9 weight
  - Wading belt
  - Stripping basket