
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 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.
On June 29, 2013 come check out the Family Fishing Celebration! Celebrate biodiversity in the Harlem Meer with fish crafts, a Magic Goldfish performance, microscopic exploration, catch & release fishing, face painting and fishy magic tricks!
Catch-and-Release fishing program for 2013 runs from April 16 through October 5.
Program Hours
Mon-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
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 Monday 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 Environmental 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.
Alice in Wonderland
The Alice in Wonderland sculpture is a favorite among children, who love to climb atop it and explore its varied textures and hiding spaces.