Ahoy anglers! Captain Tony here with your mid December NYC Harbor fishing update. Now I know what you're thinking: "Tony, it's December, the striped bass season is closed, what's there to fish for?" Well my friends, let me tell you that winter fishing in the Harbor is a different kind of fishing, but the action is definitely there for those willing to brave the cold. Let me break down what's happening in our urban fishing paradise.
Current Harbor Conditions
The water temperatures in the Harbor and surrounding waters are sitting in the upper 40s, which has the fish in their winter patterns. We just came off a full moon, which brought some strong tidal currents through the East River, Hudson River, and the Harbor itself. These strong currents can make fishing challenging, but they also concentrate baitfish and bring the predators in to feed.
The weather has been typical December stuff with some windy days mixed in, but we've had enough fishable windows to get out on the water. Visibility in the Harbor has been decent, and the water quality is actually pretty good for this time of year.
Striped Bass - Catch and Release Action
Even though the striped bass season closed on December 15th, there are still plenty of bass around the Harbor for catch and release fishing. And I'm not just talking about schoolies here. Fish ranging from schoolie size all the way up to over 20 pounds are still being caught around the Harbor, the East River, and the Hudson River.
The fish are holding in the deeper channels and around structure, waiting out the winter. The bridges, pilings, and deeper holes are all productive spots. Some anglers have reported larger fish in the 30 inch range near the bridges and in the estuaries, which tells me there are some quality fish still hanging around.
For those targeting them, the key is fishing low and slow. Bucktails, soft plastics, and swimbaits worked slowly along the bottom are your best bets. The water is cold, so these fish aren't going to chase anything down. You need to put it right in their face and work it methodically.
Night fishing has been producing some nice fish as well. The Harbor lights attract baitfish, which in turn attracts the stripers. If you're willing to bundle up and fish after dark, you might be rewarded with some quality fish.
Remember, handle any fish you catch carefully and get them back in the water quickly. The 2025 regulations will remain the same as 2024: 28 to 31 inch slot limit with one fish per angler when the season reopens in the spring.
Herring Run - Winter Bait Bonanza
The herring have started to make their appearance in the Harbor and surrounding waters, which is great news for bait fishermen. Anglers fishing at Coney Island and other spots around the Harbor have been landing herring over the past week, though the fish are running smaller than last year's 8 to 12 inch specimens.
The herring are hitting the upper hooks on sabiki rigs, which suggests they're feeding a bit higher in the water column than usual. This is typical winter behavior as they follow the bait and plankton concentrations.
Fresh herring make excellent bait for striped bass, and they can be frozen for use later in the season. If you're targeting herring, focus on areas with good tidal flow and structure. The piers, bridges, and channels are all good spots. Fish at night with a light to attract them, or during the day in areas with strong current.
Alongside the herring action, there have been schoolie sized striped bass being caught, which makes sense since the bass follow the herring. It's all part of the winter food chain in the Harbor.
Blackfish (Tautog) - Last Few Days
While the Harbor itself isn't known for its blackfish fishing, the surrounding waters have been producing some nice tog. The season closes on December 22nd, so you've only got a few more days to get in on this action.
The wrecks and rocky structure in the deeper waters around the Harbor entrance have been holding fish. Reports of 7 to 9 pound fish have been coming in from various spots, and there have even been some 9 to 10 pounders weighed in this past week. The full moon currents made things challenging, but if you worked white crabs slowly and patiently, you could still put together a decent catch.
White Perch - Underrated Winter Target
One of the best kept secrets of winter Harbor fishing is the white perch bite. These scrappy little fighters move into the brackish water areas and tidal rivers during the winter, and they can provide excellent action on light tackle.
The key is locating them, which can be tricky. They tend to hold in deeper holes adjacent to creek inflows and outflows. Once you find a school, they'll hit just about anything. A split shot rig with a live worm or grass shrimp is the classic approach, but small curly tail jigs also work great.
White perch are excellent eating, and there's no closed season on them. They're a great way to keep fishing through the winter and put some fresh fish on the table.
Weather Outlook - Challenging Conditions Ahead
The weather over the next few days is going to be a major factor in what fishing is possible. Friday (today) is going to be rough, with gale warnings in effect for the Harbor and surrounding waters. South winds 25 to 30 knots with gusts to 40 knots, and seas 2 to 4 feet, occasionally to 5 feet in the Harbor itself. The East River and Hudson River will have strong currents and wind driven waves. This is a day to stay off the water or fish from protected shore spots.
Friday night continues the challenging conditions with west winds 25 to 30 knots and gusts to 35 knots. Saturday looks better, with west winds diminishing to 10 to 15 knots in the afternoon. That might be your best window for getting out on the water.
Sunday brings another round of west winds 15 to 20 knots with gusts to 30 knots, and Monday looks similar with northwest winds 15 to 20 knots. Tuesday could see another weather system move through with southwest winds and rain.
For shore anglers, the protected spots along the East River and Hudson River will be fishable even on the windy days, though you'll want to dress warmly and watch for wind driven spray.
Urban Fishing Tips for Winter
Winter fishing in the Harbor requires a different approach than the warmer months. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Dress in layers: The wind off the water can be brutal, so dress warmly and bring extra layers. Waterproof outer layers are essential.
Fish the tides: The tides are your friend in winter. Fish the moving water, especially the last two hours of the outgoing and first two hours of the incoming. The fish will be more active during these periods.
Downsize your presentations: Cold water means sluggish fish. Downsize your lures and baits, and work them slowly. A 3 inch soft plastic might outfish a 5 inch one in winter.
Focus on structure: The fish are holding tight to structure in winter. Bridges, pilings, rocky areas, and deeper holes are all prime spots.
Be patient: Winter fishing requires patience. The bites might be fewer and farther between, but when you connect, it's often with a quality fish.
Looking Ahead
As we move deeper into winter, the fishing will continue to evolve. The herring run should pick up in the coming weeks, which will bring more striped bass into the Harbor to feed. The white perch fishing should remain good through the winter months. And when we get those occasional warm spells, the fishing can really turn on.
The offshore scene is still going strong for those who want to make the run outside. The sea bass fishing has been excellent on the wrecks, with jumbo fish being caught in good numbers. The party boats are sailing regularly, weather permitting.
Final Thoughts
Winter fishing in NYC Harbor isn't for everyone, but for those who embrace it, it can be incredibly rewarding. There's something special about having the water to yourself on a cold December day, with the city skyline in the background and a bent rod in your hands.
The striped bass are still around for catch and release. The herring are starting to show up. The white perch are biting. And if you're willing to make the run outside, the blackfish and sea bass are there for the taking (at least for a few more days on the tog).
So don't pack away your gear just yet. Bundle up, watch the weather, and get out there when the conditions allow. Winter fishing is a different game, but it's a game worth playing.
Stay warm and tight lines,
Captain Tony
Current Harbor Conditions
The water temperatures in the Harbor and surrounding waters are sitting in the upper 40s, which has the fish in their winter patterns. We just came off a full moon, which brought some strong tidal currents through the East River, Hudson River, and the Harbor itself. These strong currents can make fishing challenging, but they also concentrate baitfish and bring the predators in to feed.
The weather has been typical December stuff with some windy days mixed in, but we've had enough fishable windows to get out on the water. Visibility in the Harbor has been decent, and the water quality is actually pretty good for this time of year.
Striped Bass - Catch and Release Action
Even though the striped bass season closed on December 15th, there are still plenty of bass around the Harbor for catch and release fishing. And I'm not just talking about schoolies here. Fish ranging from schoolie size all the way up to over 20 pounds are still being caught around the Harbor, the East River, and the Hudson River.
The fish are holding in the deeper channels and around structure, waiting out the winter. The bridges, pilings, and deeper holes are all productive spots. Some anglers have reported larger fish in the 30 inch range near the bridges and in the estuaries, which tells me there are some quality fish still hanging around.
For those targeting them, the key is fishing low and slow. Bucktails, soft plastics, and swimbaits worked slowly along the bottom are your best bets. The water is cold, so these fish aren't going to chase anything down. You need to put it right in their face and work it methodically.
Night fishing has been producing some nice fish as well. The Harbor lights attract baitfish, which in turn attracts the stripers. If you're willing to bundle up and fish after dark, you might be rewarded with some quality fish.
Remember, handle any fish you catch carefully and get them back in the water quickly. The 2025 regulations will remain the same as 2024: 28 to 31 inch slot limit with one fish per angler when the season reopens in the spring.
Herring Run - Winter Bait Bonanza
The herring have started to make their appearance in the Harbor and surrounding waters, which is great news for bait fishermen. Anglers fishing at Coney Island and other spots around the Harbor have been landing herring over the past week, though the fish are running smaller than last year's 8 to 12 inch specimens.
The herring are hitting the upper hooks on sabiki rigs, which suggests they're feeding a bit higher in the water column than usual. This is typical winter behavior as they follow the bait and plankton concentrations.
Fresh herring make excellent bait for striped bass, and they can be frozen for use later in the season. If you're targeting herring, focus on areas with good tidal flow and structure. The piers, bridges, and channels are all good spots. Fish at night with a light to attract them, or during the day in areas with strong current.
Alongside the herring action, there have been schoolie sized striped bass being caught, which makes sense since the bass follow the herring. It's all part of the winter food chain in the Harbor.
Blackfish (Tautog) - Last Few Days
While the Harbor itself isn't known for its blackfish fishing, the surrounding waters have been producing some nice tog. The season closes on December 22nd, so you've only got a few more days to get in on this action.
The wrecks and rocky structure in the deeper waters around the Harbor entrance have been holding fish. Reports of 7 to 9 pound fish have been coming in from various spots, and there have even been some 9 to 10 pounders weighed in this past week. The full moon currents made things challenging, but if you worked white crabs slowly and patiently, you could still put together a decent catch.
White Perch - Underrated Winter Target
One of the best kept secrets of winter Harbor fishing is the white perch bite. These scrappy little fighters move into the brackish water areas and tidal rivers during the winter, and they can provide excellent action on light tackle.
The key is locating them, which can be tricky. They tend to hold in deeper holes adjacent to creek inflows and outflows. Once you find a school, they'll hit just about anything. A split shot rig with a live worm or grass shrimp is the classic approach, but small curly tail jigs also work great.
White perch are excellent eating, and there's no closed season on them. They're a great way to keep fishing through the winter and put some fresh fish on the table.
Weather Outlook - Challenging Conditions Ahead
The weather over the next few days is going to be a major factor in what fishing is possible. Friday (today) is going to be rough, with gale warnings in effect for the Harbor and surrounding waters. South winds 25 to 30 knots with gusts to 40 knots, and seas 2 to 4 feet, occasionally to 5 feet in the Harbor itself. The East River and Hudson River will have strong currents and wind driven waves. This is a day to stay off the water or fish from protected shore spots.
Friday night continues the challenging conditions with west winds 25 to 30 knots and gusts to 35 knots. Saturday looks better, with west winds diminishing to 10 to 15 knots in the afternoon. That might be your best window for getting out on the water.
Sunday brings another round of west winds 15 to 20 knots with gusts to 30 knots, and Monday looks similar with northwest winds 15 to 20 knots. Tuesday could see another weather system move through with southwest winds and rain.
For shore anglers, the protected spots along the East River and Hudson River will be fishable even on the windy days, though you'll want to dress warmly and watch for wind driven spray.
Urban Fishing Tips for Winter
Winter fishing in the Harbor requires a different approach than the warmer months. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Dress in layers: The wind off the water can be brutal, so dress warmly and bring extra layers. Waterproof outer layers are essential.
Fish the tides: The tides are your friend in winter. Fish the moving water, especially the last two hours of the outgoing and first two hours of the incoming. The fish will be more active during these periods.
Downsize your presentations: Cold water means sluggish fish. Downsize your lures and baits, and work them slowly. A 3 inch soft plastic might outfish a 5 inch one in winter.
Focus on structure: The fish are holding tight to structure in winter. Bridges, pilings, rocky areas, and deeper holes are all prime spots.
Be patient: Winter fishing requires patience. The bites might be fewer and farther between, but when you connect, it's often with a quality fish.
Looking Ahead
As we move deeper into winter, the fishing will continue to evolve. The herring run should pick up in the coming weeks, which will bring more striped bass into the Harbor to feed. The white perch fishing should remain good through the winter months. And when we get those occasional warm spells, the fishing can really turn on.
The offshore scene is still going strong for those who want to make the run outside. The sea bass fishing has been excellent on the wrecks, with jumbo fish being caught in good numbers. The party boats are sailing regularly, weather permitting.
Final Thoughts
Winter fishing in NYC Harbor isn't for everyone, but for those who embrace it, it can be incredibly rewarding. There's something special about having the water to yourself on a cold December day, with the city skyline in the background and a bent rod in your hands.
The striped bass are still around for catch and release. The herring are starting to show up. The white perch are biting. And if you're willing to make the run outside, the blackfish and sea bass are there for the taking (at least for a few more days on the tog).
So don't pack away your gear just yet. Bundle up, watch the weather, and get out there when the conditions allow. Winter fishing is a different game, but it's a game worth playing.
Stay warm and tight lines,
Captain Tony
