The Harbor in Winter: A Firefighter's Perspective
Listen, I've been fishing these waters for over 40 years, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that December in the Harbor is a test of character. The striped bass season closed on December 15th, the blackfish are done, and the water temperatures are sitting in the low 40s. The winter storm rolling through this weekend is bringing snow, northeast winds gusting to 25 knots, and conditions that'll make you question why you ever took up this hobby in the first place.
But here's the thing about New York Harbor: it never completely shuts down. There are always fish somewhere, always a pier or bridge worth checking, always an opportunity if you know where to look and you're willing to put in the work. It's not the wide-open fishing of fall, but it's something. And sometimes, something is all you need.
Current Conditions & Weather Outlook
As of Thursday morning, December 26th, we've got active weather across the entire Harbor region. New York Harbor itself is under a small craft advisory through late tonight, with west winds 10-15 knots becoming northwest 15-20 knots late. Waves are running around 2 feet. Tonight brings north winds 20-25 knots with gusts up to 30, and waves building to 2-3 feet.
The East River is showing similar conditions with strong current flows during the tide changes. Friday continues the rough pattern with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25, and Saturday brings north winds 10-15 gusting to 20 before things calm down Sunday with northwest winds 5-10 knots. Monday and Tuesday look brutal with southwest winds building to 25-30 knots Monday, then west winds 30-40 knots Monday night and Tuesday.
Water temperatures throughout the Harbor are holding at 42-45°F, which is cold enough to slow down most fish activity but not cold enough to completely shut things down. The Hudson River is running clear with good visibility, and the tidal flows are strong during the moon phases.
Battery Park to George Washington Bridge
The lower Hudson and the piers around Battery Park are quiet but not dead. There are holdover stripers in the system, and while the season is closed (catch and release only), these fish are still feeding when conditions are right. The key is finding areas with good current flow during the tide changes. The fish are staging in deeper holes and along structure where the current brings bait to them.
The piers around Tribeca and Chelsea have been producing some white perch for anglers willing to brave the cold. These fish are active throughout the winter and provide consistent action if you use the right techniques. Light tackle with small soft plastics, marabou jigs, or live worms will get bites. The white perch are feisty striper cousins that fight hard on light gear, and they're one of the few species you can legally keep right now.
Current flow is critical. The fish are staging in areas with good current, and they're feeding aggressively when the water's moving. Focus your efforts around the tide changes, particularly the first two hours of the incoming and the last two hours of the outgoing. Dead slack tide is usually dead fishing in winter.
George Washington Bridge to Tappan Zee
The upper Hudson is showing similar patterns. The deeper holes and channels are holding white perch and the occasional holdover striper. The areas around the GW Bridge, the Spuyten Duyvil, and up toward Yonkers all have potential if you hit them at the right tide stage.
There are also reports of some white perch being caught in the brackish areas where freshwater tributaries meet the tidal Hudson. These transition zones can hold concentrations of baitfish, which in turn attract predators. Small creeks and coves that most anglers ignore during the prime season can be productive in winter.
The Tappan Zee area and up toward Haverstraw are worth checking if you're willing to make the drive. The deeper water in this section holds fish throughout the winter, and the current flows can position bait in predictable locations. Again, focus on structure, current, and the tide changes.
East River: Hell Gate to Throgs Neck
The East River is one of my favorite winter fisheries because the current never stops. Even in the coldest weather, the tidal flows through Hell Gate, under the bridges, and out toward Throgs Neck create feeding opportunities for fish that are willing to expend energy.
The key to fishing the East River in winter is understanding the current. You need to position yourself where the flow creates eddies, slack water, or current breaks. Fish will stage in these areas to ambush bait being swept through by the main flow. The bridges are obvious structure, but don't overlook the points, rocky shorelines, and deeper channels.
White perch are the primary target species right now, but there are also holdover stripers in the system. Any bass you catch must be released immediately, but it's not the blitzes of the fall. A bent rod in December is a welcome sight, and even a schoolie striper on light tackle provides some excitement during the slow season.
Tactics & Techniques for Winter Harbor Fishing
Winter fishing in the Harbor requires a different mindset than the rest of the year. You're not looking for blitzes or wide-open action. You're grinding for bites, and every fish you catch is earned through patience, persistence, and understanding the conditions.
For white perch, use light or ultralight spinning gear with 4-6 pound test line. Small soft plastics in the 2-3 inch range on 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jigheads are deadly. Curly-tail grubs in chartreuse, pink, white, or natural colors work well. Drag them slowly on the bottom with a steady retrieve, or hop them with small lifts and pauses. Marabou jigs are also effective, particularly in current.
For holdover stripers (catch and release only), small suspending jerkbaits like the Rapala PXR Mavrik 110 or Megabass Vision Oneten can produce bites. Work them with long pauses and minimal action. The cold water means fish won't chase fast-moving baits. You need to put the lure right in front of them and give them time to decide to eat it.
Live bait also works well in winter. Live worms for white perch are deadly. Live eels for stripers can produce big fish if you're willing to put in the effort. The key is fishing them slowly in areas with current flow.
Pier & Bridge Access Points
One of the advantages of Harbor fishing is the access. You don't need a boat to be successful. There are dozens of piers, bridges, and shoreline access points throughout the system. Some of my favorites for winter fishing include:
The piers along the West Side Highway from Battery Park to the GW Bridge. Many of these are accessible and provide good current flow and structure.
The East River waterfront parks and piers. Areas like Brooklyn Bridge Park, Astoria Park, and the piers around Long Island City all have potential.
The bridges. The GW Bridge, Triborough Bridge, and the various East River bridges all provide structure and current that attract fish.
The key is mobility. Don't commit to one spot for hours if you're not getting bites. Move around, check different areas, and find where the fish are staging. In winter, the fish are concentrated in specific locations, and finding them is half the battle.
Three-Day Forecast & Fishability
Friday, December 27: Challenging conditions. Northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25, chance of snow and rain, reduced visibility. Protected piers and bridges only. Focus on the East River where current provides some feeding activity. Fishability: 3/10.
Saturday, December 28: Improving. North winds 10-15 gusting to 20 diminishing to 5-10 after midnight. Better conditions for pier and bridge fishing. Target the tide changes in the Hudson and East River. Fishability: 5/10.
Sunday, December 29: Best day of the weekend. Northwest winds 5-10 becoming west, chance of rain afternoon. Good conditions for Harbor fishing if you dress warm and target the right spots. Fishability: 7/10.
The Bottom Line
We're in the heart of winter, and the Harbor is showing it. The easy fishing is over, the seasons are closed, and the weather is brutal. But for those willing to adapt, there are still opportunities. White perch are active and provide consistent action. Holdover stripers are in the system and will eat if you put the right bait in front of them. The key is understanding the conditions, fishing the tide changes, and not expecting the wide-open action of fall.
I spent 30 years with the FDNY, and one thing that job taught me is that you don't quit when things get tough. You adapt, you persevere, and you find a way to get the job done. Winter fishing in the Harbor is the same. It's not easy, it's not comfortable, and it's not always productive. But when you hook a fish on a cold December day, when you feel that weight on the end of your line and see that bend in your rod, it makes all the effort worthwhile.
So bundle up, check the weather, hit the piers and bridges during the tide changes, and remember that every fish you catch in winter is worth three from the fall. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep grinding.
Tight lines,
Captain Tony
Listen, I've been fishing these waters for over 40 years, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that December in the Harbor is a test of character. The striped bass season closed on December 15th, the blackfish are done, and the water temperatures are sitting in the low 40s. The winter storm rolling through this weekend is bringing snow, northeast winds gusting to 25 knots, and conditions that'll make you question why you ever took up this hobby in the first place.
But here's the thing about New York Harbor: it never completely shuts down. There are always fish somewhere, always a pier or bridge worth checking, always an opportunity if you know where to look and you're willing to put in the work. It's not the wide-open fishing of fall, but it's something. And sometimes, something is all you need.
Current Conditions & Weather Outlook
As of Thursday morning, December 26th, we've got active weather across the entire Harbor region. New York Harbor itself is under a small craft advisory through late tonight, with west winds 10-15 knots becoming northwest 15-20 knots late. Waves are running around 2 feet. Tonight brings north winds 20-25 knots with gusts up to 30, and waves building to 2-3 feet.
The East River is showing similar conditions with strong current flows during the tide changes. Friday continues the rough pattern with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25, and Saturday brings north winds 10-15 gusting to 20 before things calm down Sunday with northwest winds 5-10 knots. Monday and Tuesday look brutal with southwest winds building to 25-30 knots Monday, then west winds 30-40 knots Monday night and Tuesday.
Water temperatures throughout the Harbor are holding at 42-45°F, which is cold enough to slow down most fish activity but not cold enough to completely shut things down. The Hudson River is running clear with good visibility, and the tidal flows are strong during the moon phases.
Battery Park to George Washington Bridge
The lower Hudson and the piers around Battery Park are quiet but not dead. There are holdover stripers in the system, and while the season is closed (catch and release only), these fish are still feeding when conditions are right. The key is finding areas with good current flow during the tide changes. The fish are staging in deeper holes and along structure where the current brings bait to them.
The piers around Tribeca and Chelsea have been producing some white perch for anglers willing to brave the cold. These fish are active throughout the winter and provide consistent action if you use the right techniques. Light tackle with small soft plastics, marabou jigs, or live worms will get bites. The white perch are feisty striper cousins that fight hard on light gear, and they're one of the few species you can legally keep right now.
Current flow is critical. The fish are staging in areas with good current, and they're feeding aggressively when the water's moving. Focus your efforts around the tide changes, particularly the first two hours of the incoming and the last two hours of the outgoing. Dead slack tide is usually dead fishing in winter.
George Washington Bridge to Tappan Zee
The upper Hudson is showing similar patterns. The deeper holes and channels are holding white perch and the occasional holdover striper. The areas around the GW Bridge, the Spuyten Duyvil, and up toward Yonkers all have potential if you hit them at the right tide stage.
There are also reports of some white perch being caught in the brackish areas where freshwater tributaries meet the tidal Hudson. These transition zones can hold concentrations of baitfish, which in turn attract predators. Small creeks and coves that most anglers ignore during the prime season can be productive in winter.
The Tappan Zee area and up toward Haverstraw are worth checking if you're willing to make the drive. The deeper water in this section holds fish throughout the winter, and the current flows can position bait in predictable locations. Again, focus on structure, current, and the tide changes.
East River: Hell Gate to Throgs Neck
The East River is one of my favorite winter fisheries because the current never stops. Even in the coldest weather, the tidal flows through Hell Gate, under the bridges, and out toward Throgs Neck create feeding opportunities for fish that are willing to expend energy.
The key to fishing the East River in winter is understanding the current. You need to position yourself where the flow creates eddies, slack water, or current breaks. Fish will stage in these areas to ambush bait being swept through by the main flow. The bridges are obvious structure, but don't overlook the points, rocky shorelines, and deeper channels.
White perch are the primary target species right now, but there are also holdover stripers in the system. Any bass you catch must be released immediately, but it's not the blitzes of the fall. A bent rod in December is a welcome sight, and even a schoolie striper on light tackle provides some excitement during the slow season.
Tactics & Techniques for Winter Harbor Fishing
Winter fishing in the Harbor requires a different mindset than the rest of the year. You're not looking for blitzes or wide-open action. You're grinding for bites, and every fish you catch is earned through patience, persistence, and understanding the conditions.
For white perch, use light or ultralight spinning gear with 4-6 pound test line. Small soft plastics in the 2-3 inch range on 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jigheads are deadly. Curly-tail grubs in chartreuse, pink, white, or natural colors work well. Drag them slowly on the bottom with a steady retrieve, or hop them with small lifts and pauses. Marabou jigs are also effective, particularly in current.
For holdover stripers (catch and release only), small suspending jerkbaits like the Rapala PXR Mavrik 110 or Megabass Vision Oneten can produce bites. Work them with long pauses and minimal action. The cold water means fish won't chase fast-moving baits. You need to put the lure right in front of them and give them time to decide to eat it.
Live bait also works well in winter. Live worms for white perch are deadly. Live eels for stripers can produce big fish if you're willing to put in the effort. The key is fishing them slowly in areas with current flow.
Pier & Bridge Access Points
One of the advantages of Harbor fishing is the access. You don't need a boat to be successful. There are dozens of piers, bridges, and shoreline access points throughout the system. Some of my favorites for winter fishing include:
The piers along the West Side Highway from Battery Park to the GW Bridge. Many of these are accessible and provide good current flow and structure.
The East River waterfront parks and piers. Areas like Brooklyn Bridge Park, Astoria Park, and the piers around Long Island City all have potential.
The bridges. The GW Bridge, Triborough Bridge, and the various East River bridges all provide structure and current that attract fish.
The key is mobility. Don't commit to one spot for hours if you're not getting bites. Move around, check different areas, and find where the fish are staging. In winter, the fish are concentrated in specific locations, and finding them is half the battle.
Three-Day Forecast & Fishability
Friday, December 27: Challenging conditions. Northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25, chance of snow and rain, reduced visibility. Protected piers and bridges only. Focus on the East River where current provides some feeding activity. Fishability: 3/10.
Saturday, December 28: Improving. North winds 10-15 gusting to 20 diminishing to 5-10 after midnight. Better conditions for pier and bridge fishing. Target the tide changes in the Hudson and East River. Fishability: 5/10.
Sunday, December 29: Best day of the weekend. Northwest winds 5-10 becoming west, chance of rain afternoon. Good conditions for Harbor fishing if you dress warm and target the right spots. Fishability: 7/10.
The Bottom Line
We're in the heart of winter, and the Harbor is showing it. The easy fishing is over, the seasons are closed, and the weather is brutal. But for those willing to adapt, there are still opportunities. White perch are active and provide consistent action. Holdover stripers are in the system and will eat if you put the right bait in front of them. The key is understanding the conditions, fishing the tide changes, and not expecting the wide-open action of fall.
I spent 30 years with the FDNY, and one thing that job taught me is that you don't quit when things get tough. You adapt, you persevere, and you find a way to get the job done. Winter fishing in the Harbor is the same. It's not easy, it's not comfortable, and it's not always productive. But when you hook a fish on a cold December day, when you feel that weight on the end of your line and see that bend in your rod, it makes all the effort worthwhile.
So bundle up, check the weather, hit the piers and bridges during the tide changes, and remember that every fish you catch in winter is worth three from the fall. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep grinding.
Tight lines,
Captain Tony
