Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Hudson River fishing report for Sunday, May 4th, 2025.

The striped bass action is absolutely on fire right now! We're right in the middle of the spring run, and those big stripers are moving through our waters in massive numbers. The new moon has brought in a large body of fish, and the bait is right on schedule. Yesterday I saw countless fish being caught, with some monsters pushing 40 pounds.

Water temperatures are still running a bit cool, but that hasn't stopped the bite. The stripers are hungry and aggressive, especially in Jamaica Bay where anglers are hitting their slot limits on most trips. If you've been waiting for the right time to get out there, this is it!

Today's looking perfect for fishing. The early birds among you will catch sunrise around 5:50 AM, with sunset coming around 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water. Tides are running strong with the new moon influence, so pay attention to those current changes.

For those targeting stripers, fresh bunker chunks are working great, but don't overlook soft plastic swimbaits in white or chartreuse. Trolling with deep-diving plugs has also been producing quality fish, especially along deeper channel edges.

Hot spots to check out: The Battery area has been consistently productive, with fish staging around structure. The Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan shorelines are all providing excellent access points. If you're willing to head north a bit, the Catskills region is starting to see their striper boom right on schedule.

For the freshwater enthusiasts, the DEC has been busy stocking trout throughout our watershed. The Hudson near Minerva received 6,300 rainbow trout in the 9-10 inch range, perfect for some light tackle action.

Bluefish are also starting to make an appearance along the South Shore beaches, so pack a surf rod if you're heading that way. They're hitting metal lures and poppers aggressively during the morning and evening hours.

For tomorrow, both boats will be available for charters targeting your species of choice. If you want to get in on this spectacular spring action, don't wait too long - these fish are on the move!

That's it for today's report, folks. Remember to check your regulations, respect those slot limits, and release those breeders carefully. This spring run is shaping up to be one for the books, so get out there and tight lines to all!

Artificial Lure here, bringing you your latest Hudson River fishing report right from the heart of New York City for Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.

We’re coming off a fantastic week for Hudson River striped bass, with that spring migration running strong through the city. Recent catches ranged from feisty schoolies to hefty 25-pounders right off Manhattan and the Bronx piers. Word on the docks is some lucky anglers further upriver pulled in fish topping 45 pounds, though the average bite around the city has been in the 10 to 20-pound class. The bite is fueled by thick schools of bunker popping up daily, drawing those big stripers into casting range. On the saltier side near Battery Park and up into Harlem, bluefish have started to make some appearances, though the main show is all about the bass for now[2][3][5].

Today’s sunrise was just before 5:50 am, and sunset will be around 7:53 pm, giving you plenty of daylight for a full session. Expect daytime highs in the mid 60s with mostly clear skies and a light breeze—perfect spring fishing weather.

If you’re planning your outing around the tide, the morning high just passed not long ago, and you’ll see a strong outgoing flow through midday followed by a late afternoon incoming. This is prime time for Striper feeding action, especially around structure and current seams. As always in the city, moving water is your friend—focus on the periods an hour before and after each tide swing for best fishing.

As for what’s working, chunked bunker and fresh herring are still the top natural baits. If you favor artificials, swim shads and large soft plastics in pearl or bunker colors have been especially hot on the outgoing tide. Classic metal-lip swimmers and topwaters have also taken fish early and late in the day. Night bites have been solid when you can find quiet water and less boat traffic.

For those after some variety, the river has gotten a dose of spring-stocked brown trout further north, but around NYC, the focus is squarely on big stripers. Bluefish are nipping at the edges, so have a wire leader handy if you start getting bitten off[2][4].

Hot spots to check are the piers along Hudson River Park in Manhattan, Pier 96, the stretch around Riverbank State Park, and the mouth of the Harlem River. The Jersey side across from the city has been seeing action as well, especially near the Colgate Clock and Liberty State Park.

In short, the Striper run is peaking, the weather’s perfect, and the city’s riverfront is alive with fish and fishermen alike. Load up on bunker, bring your best swimmers, and get out while the bite is hot. Tight lines from Artificial Lure.

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Hudson River fishing report for Friday, May 2nd, 2025.

It's prime time on the Hudson, folks! The Striped Bass run is in full swing, and if you ain't out there, you're missing the action of the year. Those rockfish have been moving up the river in massive numbers since April, and right now they're absolutely everywhere from the Lower New York Bay all the way up to Albany.

Word on the water is that Raritan Bay has been absolutely loaded with stripers for the past week as they stage before heading up the Hudson to spawn. These fish are hungry and aggressive, making this weekend perfect for trophy hunting. Some locals are reporting catches up to 40-50 pounds, so bring your heavy gear!

For you city dwellers, you don't even need a boat to get in on this action. The Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan shorelines are all producing fish during the incoming tides. Battery Park has been particularly hot during early mornings.

If you're looking to venture upriver, the Catskills region is seeing that May striper boom we wait for all year. The waters around Poughkeepsie and Kingston are giving up consistent action, with both trolling and bottom fishing proving effective. Fresh bunker chunks or live herring are your best bets for bait. For those throwing artificials, try white or chartreuse paddle tails on 2-ounce jigheads to get down in that current.

Not just about the stripers though – they've been stocking browns in the upper Hudson as well. The DEC dropped 150 nice 12-15 inchers in Johnsburg during the first week of May, with another 1,360 9-10 inchers coming in the third week. Those freshly stocked trout are hitting well on small spinners and worms.

For you early birds, sunrise is around 5:50 AM, with sunset holding off until almost 8 PM, giving plenty of fishing time. Weather-wise, we've got mild temperatures in the low 70s with light southwest winds – perfect conditions to be on the water.

Tides are running about an hour behind the Battery today, with high tide just after 9 AM and again around 9:30 PM. That incoming morning tide has been the sweet spot all week.

Hot spots worth checking: The deep channel edges near Haverstraw Bay, the structure around the Tappan Zee Bridge (I refuse to call it by that new name), and for you adventurous types, the waters around Croton Point have been giving up some absolute monsters.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure saying get out there and wet a line – the Hudson's calling and the stripers are answering!

This is Artificial Lure bringing you the latest fishing report for April 30, 2025, on the Hudson River in and around New York City.

The striped bass run is holding strong across the Hudson right now. Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen the action ramp up as water temperatures have climbed into the mid to upper 40s, drawing in schools of both hungry schoolie stripers and some hefty keepers pushing up from Raritan Bay. Most local catches have been in the 20 to low 30 inch range, with a few reports of bigger bass up to 25 pounds, particularly closer to the North Shore and at the mouths of tributaries. These linesiders are keying in on river herring and bunker, which are now moving steadily through the system. If you’re looking to mix it up, white perch are chewing in the brackish stretches, with small plastics and curly tail grubs getting the job done[3].

Today kicked off chilly, but expect a sunny day with highs in the mid-50s and light winds—ideal for both boaters and shore casters. Sunrise was at 6:13 AM and sunset will be at 7:38 PM, so there’s plenty of daylight to put in time on the water. The tides are sitting near a mid-morning high, transitioning to a falling tide through midday. That outgoing tide, especially fished around the slack high and into the first couple of hours outgoing, will be prime—look for active fish staging at creek mouths, warm mud flats, and around piers[3].

Top lures this week have been shallow-diving metal lips, soft plastics in bunker or herring patterns, and swim shads. If you can get live or fresh-cut bunker or herring, they’re hard to beat right now for bigger fish. Plugs or jigs fished at dawn and dusk have picked up some of the better fish as well. Small white or chartreuse bucktails have also accounted for perch and opportunistic bass, especially if you run into a midday lull.

Hot spots include the Battery and piers off lower Manhattan—there’s been steady action near Pier 40—as well as the stretch up toward the George Washington Bridge and the mouth of the Harlem River. Creek mouths around Inwood and Riverdale are also worth a look, especially on the outgoing. Don’t overlook the New Jersey side for a change of pace; Jersey City and Edgewater both produced fish during the last round of tides.

In short: fish are in, weather’s cooperative, and the outgoing tide is your ticket. Get your gear, hit those flats and mouths with a herring-pattern lure or a chunk of fresh bait, and work the windows around tide changes. Tight lines out there—see you on the river[3].

This is Artificial Lure with your Hudson River NYC report for April 23, 2025.

The striped bass run is ramping up big time this week. Water temps are in the mid-40s, and the bass are finally active after early April’s chill. Most catches have been schoolies and solid keeper-sized stripers in the 20 to low 30 inch range, but there are confirmed reports of fish pushing up to 25 pounds, especially from the North Shore down toward the river mouth. The bass are chasing river herring and bunker, which are showing in stronger numbers now. White perch remain active in the brackish stretches if you want some steady action with lighter tackle.

Today started out chilly but expect a sunny day with highs reaching the mid-50s and light winds, making it ideal whether you’re shore or boat fishing. Sunrise was at 6:13 this morning, and sunset will be at 7:38 tonight, so you have a good stretch of daylight. Tide is peaking mid-morning and will be falling through midday. That’s perfect timing to target the flats and creek mouths — fish those outgoing tides when the sun has a chance to warm the shallows, because that extra degree or two can turn the bite on.

Best baits and lures today are going to be live herring or chunk bunker if you can get them. For artificial options, go with soft plastics like four to six inch paddle tails in white or pearl, or try Ned rig style plastics on a quarter ounce jig head. Shallow diving plugs and small swimbaits imitating herring or bunker have been very effective too. If you’re after white perch, small jigs and curly tail grubs will get the job done.

For hot spots, hit the stretch around the George Washington Bridge, especially along the Manhattan side piers and the nearshore flats along Riverbank State Park. Downriver, the mouth of the Harlem River and the Battery area usually both hold good numbers on an outgoing tide right now.

In summary, striper fishing in the Hudson is on the rise as spring ramps up. The fish are hungry, bait is moving in, and conditions today are prime. Good luck out there and tight lines!

Artificial Lure, signing off.

This is Artificial Lure with your Hudson River, NYC, fishing report for Monday, April 21, 2025.

The Hudson River is alive with spring action right now. Striped bass are the headline, with the annual run ramping up big time through the city and up into Westchester. Water temperatures are in the mid-40s and climbing, which means bass are getting more aggressive each day. Most fish coming in are schoolies and slots measuring 20 to low 30 inches, though there have been solid reports of keepers and a handful up to 25 pounds, especially north of the city and as they push up from Raritan Bay. These bass are feeding heavily on river herring and bunker, both starting to appear in better numbers. White perch are keeping things lively in the brackish stretches, taking small plastics and curly tail grubs.

Today started off chilly but expect sun all day, with highs pushing into the mid-50s and light winds—prime conditions for both boaters and shore anglers. Sunrise was at 6:13 AM, sunset will be at 7:38 PM, so there’s plenty of light for a morning or late-afternoon bite. Tidal action is solid, with a mid-morning high and a falling tide through midday. That outgoing tide after slack high is the prime window to hit the flats, creek mouths, and warmer shallows where bass are most active.

Best lures have been 6-inch white or chartreuse paddletails on a 1-ounce jighead, fished slow near structure or drop-offs. Soft plastics in the 9-inch range, like Slug-Gos in pearl or bubblegum, have been getting hammered too. If you're a bait angler, you can’t go wrong with fresh bunker chunks or bloodworms—stripers are eating them up. Don’t forget a light leader and a circle hook for safe release.

Hot spots to check out include the waters around Croton Point, which have been especially productive. The Tappan Zee Bridge area is still holding fish, and there are good reports coming in from Verplanck. For city anglers, the shoreline around Battery Park is quietly seeing some nice action, especially on the outgoing tide.

The herring run is starting to peak, so stripers are on the move and feeding hard. If you’re after perch, the brackish stretches north of the city are your best bet with small curly tails or worms.

That’s today’s report for the Hudson River and surrounding NYC waters. Get out there, enjoy the sun, and tight lines!

Hudson River anglers, here’s your report for Sunday, April 20, 2025, with the river waking up to prime spring action. Sunrise hit around 6:10 am, and sunset will be close to 7:40 pm, giving you a nice long window to get out on the water. The weather is mild, with spring temperatures expected in the low to mid 60s, and minimal wind early, picking up slightly into the afternoon—great conditions for both boaters and shoreline casters.

The tidal swing today features a low tide early this morning and incoming water for most of the day. Fishing the outgoing tide this afternoon should be your ticket, especially as it coincides with peak movement for predatory fish hunting bait.

Striped bass are the main story right now. The annual spring migration has been heating up, with reports showing schools of pre-spawn stripers pushing up the Hudson, following herring runs and looking to fatten up before spawning begins in earnest later this month. Smaller males are being caught regularly, but some larger females are just starting to arrive, and big fish are expected to become more prevalent in the coming days as the migration continues[1][4].

Recent catches include numerous stripers from 24 to 34 inches, with a few bigger fish pushing 40 inches being reported, mostly on live and chunked herring, along with artificial lures that mimic baitfish. The best baits right now are live or fresh chunk herring. If you’re throwing lures, shallow-diving metal lips, soft plastic paddle tails in white or bunker colors, and swimming plugs like SP Minnows or Bomber Long As have all been effective, especially during the outgoing tide and low-light periods[4].

For hot spots, the stretch from the George Washington Bridge up to Croton Point has been producing, with the mouth of the Saw Mill River and Yonkers waterfront being consistent, especially on the evening outgoing tides. Piermont Pier is another classic early-season location, drawing anglers targeting stripers as the tide moves baitfish along the flats.

Remember, striped bass regulations require careful handling and release if you’re not keeping a legal fish. Also, keep an eye out for bunker schools moving in, as their arrival can kick-start the first real blitzes of the year[4].

To sum it up: The bite is solid and just getting better. Focus on the afternoon outgoing tide, use fresh herring or white soft plastics and plugs, and check out Croton Point and Piermont Pier for your best shot at a big spring striper. Good luck out there, and tight lines!

This is Artificial Lure with your Hudson River fishing report for Saturday, April 19, 2025, covering the waters in and around New York City.

We’re right in the thick of spring, and the river’s alive with energy. The weather’s treating us perfectly today—expect sunny skies and comfortable temps in the mid-50s. Sunrise was at 6:17 AM, and sunset will be at 7:32 PM, giving you a full day of action on the water. The high tide peaked earlier this morning with the ebb heading into the afternoon, which is ideal for targeting stripers as bait gets moved around with the changing water[4][5].

Striped bass are the main draw right now. The season kicked off strong on April 1 and runs through November 30. Over this past week, fish have been running thick from south of the George Washington Bridge up through Poughkeepsie. Most of the catches coming in are schoolies and slot-sized stripers, anywhere from 20 to 35 inches, but some real brutes over 40 inches are in the mix, especially the big pre-spawn females cruising upriver. Anglers are reporting hot action with both artificial lures and live bait, with plenty of hookups to go around[1][3][4][5].

Best baits and lures right now are live herring and fresh shad, which are what the stripers are hunting. If you’re tossing artificials, slow-moving soft plastics, large swimbaits, shads, and flutter spoons are all putting fish in the boat. With the water temp still in the low 40s, being patient and slowing down your retrieve can make the difference[3][4][5].

For those looking for hot spots, try the stretch north and south of the George Washington Bridge, the piers around West Harlem, and farther north near Yonkers—these areas have all been producing solid fish. If you’re after numbers, mornings and evenings on the outgoing tide have been best, but don’t overlook midday as the sun warms the shallows[4][5].

Besides stripers, a few blackfish have been showing up at the city’s bridges and piers, though most anglers are focused on bass right now. Trout stocking is underway in the city’s upstate reservoirs for those willing to travel a bit.

Today’s key advice—match the hatch, pay attention to the tides, and enjoy the incredible spring bite. The big fish are here, and the bite is only getting better. Tight lines from Artificial Lure—see you on the water[4][5].

This is Artificial Lure with your Hudson River, NYC area fishing report for April 18, 2025.

The striped bass run is ramping up big time right now. Early April’s chill kept fish sluggish, but with water temps creeping into the mid-40s, we’re seeing schoolies and some solid keeper-sized bass staging in the river and lower bays. Most local catches have been in the 20 to low 30 inch range, but a few bigger fish up to 25 pounds have been reported, especially closer to the North Shore and as they push up from Raritan Bay. The bass are feeding hard on river herring and bunker, which are just starting to show up in better numbers. You’ll also find plenty of white perch chewing up in the brackish stretches, hitting small plastics or curly tail grubs[1][2][3][4][6][8].

Today’s weather is off to a chilly start with crisp air early, but we’re looking at a sunny day with highs in the mid-50s by afternoon and light winds—good news for boaters and shore anglers alike. Sunrise was at 6:13 AM and sunset will be at 7:38 PM, giving you lots of daylight. Tides in the city are nearing mid-morning high, with a falling tide through midday—prime window to fish the flats and creek mouths. Focus efforts around slack high shifting to outgoing, especially with the sun warming those shallows[2][4][6].

Best baits right now are fresh or live shad and herring, both irresistible to hungry stripers as they fatten up for their spawn run. Drifting or slow-trolling shad along deeper channels or casting chunked bunker from shore are both putting fish on the stringer. In clearer water, downsize your leader to 15-20 lb test for more bites. If you’re tossing artificials, go with minnow-style plugs like SP Minnows, Bass Assassins, or Mag Darters that mimic herring and small bunker. Color-wise, white, pearl, and electric shad are all producing, and darker patterns have been getting attention on overcast mornings. Don’t skip the chicken scratch pattern if you’re tossing Daiwa SPs[2][4][9].

Other species making a showing are white and yellow perch, crappie, and even a few early walleye and catfish, mostly on small jigs, spinners, or worms in the freshwater stretches north of the city[4][10].

For hot spots, in the city itself, try the Hudson River Park piers and Battery Park. If you’re venturing north, Croton Point and Tappan Zee Bridge areas are holding fish, and the stretch between Newburgh and Catskill is always solid—especially near herring runs. Around Manhattan, the Piers at Hudson River Park (Pier 40, Pier 25) are tried and true. Up in Beacon, Long Dock Park gives good access and a shot at migrating bass, especially at night.

Get out there, fish the moving tide with fresh baits or realistic plugs, and stay mobile. With a bit of luck, you’ll tie into that first big linesider of spring. Tight lines!

This is Artificial Lure reporting with your Hudson River fishing update for Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The morning kicked off crisp and clear, with sunrise at 6:17 AM and sunset coming at 7:32 PM. Air temperatures are hovering in the mid-50s, and it’s shaping up to be one of those classic April days for hitting the water. The tidal swing today sees high tide peaking mid-morning and low tide settling in by late afternoon—prime times for striper activity up and down the river, especially around current breaks and creek mouths where bait stacks up[5].

Striped bass season is in full swing, and the Hudson is bustling. Schoolie stripers, mostly in the 20- to 35-inch range, are showing up strong from just south of the George Washington Bridge and north through Poughkeepsie. There’s talk of bigger females moving into the system, too, chasing abundant herring and shad. Water temps are still flirting with the low 40s, so if you want to connect, focus on a slower presentation[5][2][1].

Bait-wise, shad is your golden ticket. They’re irresistible to stripers right now, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Drift or slow-troll live shad near spawning grounds or along channel edges for the best action. If you’re all about artificials, white swim shads, Mag Darters, and chicken scratch SP Minnows are picking up fish—especially on a slow retrieve during the outgoing tide. Don’t overlook bloodworms, especially for the bank-bound crowd[6][2][8].

For hot spots within striking distance of the city, I’d put my money on two areas. First, the stretch just south of the George Washington Bridge is always productive early in the season, with stripers feeding on herring schools before heading upriver. Second, north of the city around Beacon’s Riverfront Park and Long Dock Park, you’ll find good river access and deep channels right off the bank. Wappingers Creek and the waters near Newburgh are also classic striper haunts this time of year, with many anglers landing solid fish on both live and artificial offerings[7][5][10].

Reports from the docks and tackle shops say fish are biting best about a half hour after slack tide, when the first push of outgoing water gets those stripers fired up. Keep your presentation slow, and don’t be afraid to downsize your plastics if the bite is tentative—water’s still on the cool side, so patience pays.

That’s the word on the Hudson for today. Keep it tight, fish slow, and don’t forget to release those big pre-spawn ladies when you find them. Good luck out there!