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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