Fishing
 Fishing is allowed in several of Central Park's water bodies. All fishing is on a "catch-and-release" basis only, meaning that all fish caught must be put back into the water immediately. The use of barbs on hooks and lead sinkers is strictly prohibited.
Where: The best place to fish is at the Harlem Meer, located at the northeast corner of the Park. The Meer is stocked with a wide variety of fish, including golden shiner, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill sunfish, carp, and chain pickerel. Bamboo fishing poles are available free of charge to individuals and families (upon presentation of valid picture ID) from mid-April to mid-October at The Charles A. Dana Center, located on the north shore of the Harlem Meer at 110th Street between Lenox Avenue and Fifth Avenue. The poles are issued Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and must be returned by 4:00 pm. On Sundays, poles are issued from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and must be returned by 3:00 pm Bait (corn kernels) is free with the poles. The use of bread dough or bread products is discouraged as it has been found to be harmful to both the wildlife and the waterbodies. For a fee of $20, groups of five and up may reserve poles by calling the Dana Center (212-860-1370) at least two weeks in advance.
When: Daily from 6:00 am to 1:00 am when the Park is open (license required). The catch-and-release program at the Dana Center runs from mid-April to mid-October(see above for hours).
Links: For more information, please click on Fishing Guide.
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