Can you fish in Central Park? Here’s what you should know

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — Offering over 800 acres of beautiful scenery, Central Park attracts over 42 million visitors every year.

While some people visit the park to take a leisurely summer walk or to bask in the sun on the expansive grassy areas, there is a lesser-known activity that many are unaware of.

Catch-and-release fishing is available in Central Park at the Harlem Meer, the Central Park Lake, and the Central Park Pond.

Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Chain Pickerel, Catfish, Bass, Carp, Bluegill Sunfish, and Crayfish.

Visitors who use fishing equipment from the Dana Center do not need a fishing license. Anglers who bring their own fishing equipment must have a fishing license. Everyone must adhere to the following rules:

• Use safe fishing equipment. Barbs on hooks, lead sinkers, and overhead casting rods are prohibited.
• Properly discard monofilament lines to avoid harming wildlife.
• Only use fish bait (corn kernels) such as that from the Dana Center.
• Don’t feed wildlife

The Harlem Meer, located in the northeast corner of Central Park, offers a youth-focused catch-and-release fishing program.

Fishing is not allowed at the Turtle Pond or the Reservoir.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here .

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