The concrete jungle has gone quiet, but for those of us who know where to look, there's still a flicker of life in the currents of the East and Hudson Rivers. The striper season has closed, and the water temperatures have dropped, but that doesn't mean the fishing has completely stopped. It just means you have to be a little more creative and a lot more patient.
The holdover striped bass are the main game in town right now. These resident fish will stack up in the deeper holes and channels, looking for a quick meal. The key is to find the warmer water discharges and the areas with less current. Small jigs and soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom can entice a bite, especially on the sunny days when the water warms up a few degrees. It's not the blitzes of the fall, but a bent rod in December is a welcome sight.
There are also reports of some white perch being caught in the upper reaches of the Hudson. These fish are a reliable winter target and can provide some steady action when the stripers are being finicky. Small baits and lures are the way to go for the perch. Look for them in the same areas as the holdover stripers, as they will often be mixed in together.
The weather is the biggest challenge we face this time of year. The winds can make it tough to fish the exposed piers and shorelines, and the cold can be brutal. But for the dedicated urban angler, there are always opportunities. Dress warm, be safe, and you might be surprised at what you can find in the shadow of the skyscrapers.
Stay safe out there, and tight lines.
The holdover striped bass are the main game in town right now. These resident fish will stack up in the deeper holes and channels, looking for a quick meal. The key is to find the warmer water discharges and the areas with less current. Small jigs and soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom can entice a bite, especially on the sunny days when the water warms up a few degrees. It's not the blitzes of the fall, but a bent rod in December is a welcome sight.
There are also reports of some white perch being caught in the upper reaches of the Hudson. These fish are a reliable winter target and can provide some steady action when the stripers are being finicky. Small baits and lures are the way to go for the perch. Look for them in the same areas as the holdover stripers, as they will often be mixed in together.
The weather is the biggest challenge we face this time of year. The winds can make it tough to fish the exposed piers and shorelines, and the cold can be brutal. But for the dedicated urban angler, there are always opportunities. Dress warm, be safe, and you might be surprised at what you can find in the shadow of the skyscrapers.
Stay safe out there, and tight lines.
