Fishing

Catch-and-release fishing at the Harlem Meer is a favorite family and community pastime. Fishing poles are available to borrow at the Charles A. Dana Center, located on the north shore of the Meer. Picture ID required; instruction and bait (corn kernels) are provided with the poles.

The Harlem Meer is a thriving aquatic ecosystem that supports a wide variety of fish, waterfowl, turtles, plants and microorganisms. Some of the fish living in the Meer include largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill sunfish, carp and chain pickerel.

The catch-and-release fishing program for 2012 runs from April 17 through October 7.

Program Hours

Tues-Sat: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (poles must be returned by 4:00 pm)

Sun: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (poles must be returned by 2:00 pm)

Rules and Regulations

• Release fish gently. All fishing is on a "catch-and-release" basis only, meaning that all fish caught must be put back into the water immediately. Please wet your hands before handling fish, and release while the fish is underwater if possible.
• Use safe fishing equipment. The use of barbed hooks and lead sinkers is strictly prohibited. Monofilament line should be properly discarded of in the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center to avoid harming wildlife.
• Respect the turtles and waterfowl. If you see a turtle or bird near your hook, please move to another spot to avoid catching it.
• Please fish with complimentary fish bait (corn kernels) from the Dana Center ONLY. The use of bread products and hot dogs as bait is discouraged as it has been found to be harmful to both the wildlife and the water bodies.
• Don't feed the wildlife. Feeding any other wildlife and digging for worms is strictly prohibited.
• Stay on pathways, ramps and steps next to the water. Excessive trampling of the natural shoreline and wading in the water kills the grass and causes soil erosion and compaction. This creates poor living conditions for plants, fish and other Meer dwellers.

Free for families and individuals. Groups of five or more people must make reservations at least two weeks in advance. For more information, call 212-860-1370. Group reservations are taken for Tuesday to Friday only, for either of the following two-hour sessions: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, or 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm.

Recommended for children ages 5 to 15 and accompanying adults. Note: New York State Department of Conservation regulations require persons 16 years of age and older to obtain a fishing license. For more information on this regulation and where you can buy one, please visit www.dec.ny.gov.