New York City Hudson River Fishing Report Today

Hudson River Fishing Report for New York City, May 18, 2025

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your fresh Hudson River report for Sunday, May 18, 2025.

We’re right in the heart of the spring season and the bite is hot with both resident and migratory fish putting on a show. This past week we’ve seen continued movement of big striped bass up the river as the post-spawn run ramps up. In the city stretches and a bit upriver, the action has been steady, with fish in the 28 to 40 inch range showing up on both boat and shore lines. Schoolie stripers are common, but a few trophy fish have been landed, especially after sunrise on the outgoing tide. The Tappan Zee Bridge area has been productive, both from boats and from shore, while the Hudson River Park in Manhattan is drawing families and casual anglers catching smaller bass and the occasional bluefish[1][5].

Today’s high tide is around 10:30 am and low tide will be closer to 4:40 pm, so the best action should be early morning into mid-morning, and again late afternoon as the water moves – that’s when those stripers really light up[1][4]. Sunrise was at 5:35 am, and sunset will be about 8:09 pm, giving you a long window to work the banks and piers.

The bunker schools are thick in the river right now and that’s drawing predators in. Matching the hatch is key – big soft plastic shads, bunker spoons, mojo rigs, and umbrella rigs are all working well, especially for boaters trolling in the 30 to 40 foot range. From shore, try a chunk of fresh bunker or bloodworms on a fishfinder rig, or sling a big paddle tail if you like working lures[2][3]. For fly anglers, bigger streamers that imitate herring or bunker will get hit if you put them in the current seams.

Aside from stripers, a few bluefish have shown up, mainly in the Tappan Zee and south to the estuary. Catfish and white perch are being caught in the quieter stretches and backwaters, especially on cut bait. Fluke have started slowly, mostly shorts with a couple of keepers reported, but the action should improve as the water warms up in the next week[2].

For hot spots, focus on the Tappan Zee Bridge area for stripers and blues, and check out Hudson River Park piers at dawn for a mix of action right in the city[5]. Troy Dam upriver is a classic spot for targeting big stripers, if you’re up for the drive.

Today’s weather is partly cloudy with temps reaching the low 70s, a gentle southerly breeze and no chance of rain, making for perfect fishing conditions.

That’s your Hudson River update – tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

HUDSON RIVER ANGLING OUTLOOK - Saturday, May 17, 2025

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your weekend fishing report for the Hudson River and surrounding NYC waters.

The striped bass action continues to be red hot on the Hudson! We're right in the prime of the 2025 season with both resident fish and migrating monsters providing excellent opportunities. The first week of charter reports showed impressive catches starting back on April 17, and the action has only intensified since then[1].

Tidal movement today will give us a falling tide through mid-morning, which is perfect for working those shallow mud flats where stripers are actively feeding. Water temps are in that sweet spot in the low 60s, making these fish aggressive and hungry.

Sunrise was at 5:38 AM with sunset coming at 8:12 PM, giving us plenty of daylight hours on the water. Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with temps reaching the mid-70s and light southwest winds around 5-10 mph - practically perfect fishing conditions!

The big news is those trophy-class stripers that have moved into our waters. Many of the large females have completed their spawn and are feeding aggressively as they head back downriver[4]. These post-spawn fish are hungry and hitting hard! We're seeing a mix of sizes, but plenty of quality fish in the 30-inch class with some true monsters mixed in.

For bait, fresh bunker chunks are producing well, especially during slack tide periods. Live herring are absolute dynamite if you can net some - the river herring run is colliding with the stripers about 150 miles upriver from the city, creating spectacular fishing opportunities[3]. If you're throwing artificials, shallow-diving metal lips are producing well, especially on the falling tide around those mud flats[5]. Don't overlook those larger soft plastics in white or chartreuse.

Hot spots this weekend include the areas around Croton Point Park, where fish are staging near deeper channels, and the stretch between the Tappan Zee Bridge and Yonkers. The Battery Park area is also producing some quality fish for anglers working the structure during tide changes.

Remember that smaller male stripers set up first in the spawning areas, with the big females moving through as they finish spawning[5]. This creates a fantastic mix of fish sizes and aggressive feeding patterns.

While you're focused on stripers, don't ignore the excellent fluke fishing that's developing in our area too. Many anglers are reporting decent keeper ratios, especially over sandy bottom areas[4].

That's it for today's report. Remember to respect the resource, practice safe catch and release, and enjoy these amazing spring fishing opportunities. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, everyone!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure reporting from the Hudson River on this fine Friday, May 16th, 2025.

Today kicked off with sunrise at 5:36 AM and sunset coming up at 8:08 PM. The weather is shaping up to be a classic mid-May day in New York City—mild temperatures in the low 60s early, warming towards the mid-70s later, with light winds and partly cloudy skies. The river’s flowing strong, with a steady outgoing tide for much of the morning, making those current seams especially fishy.

The striped bass bite continues to be outstanding up and down the Hudson. Reports from charters and locals alike show that both keeper-sized stripers and some real trophies are being caught, especially in the reaches from lower Manhattan up past Poughkeepsie. Just this week, multiple boats reported landing solid numbers of stripers in the 20 to 35 pound range. The post-spawn run is in full swing, and these fish are hungry as they move back downriver towards the New York Bight[1][2][3].

Baitfish are stacked up: river herring and adult bunker are thick, and the stripers are keyed in on them. Best lures right now are large soft plastic swimbaits on jigheads, paddle tails in white or bunker patterns, and shallow-diving plugs. Topwater action is picking up, too—walk-the-dog style lures like spooks have been effective at first light and again just before sunset[3][5]. If you prefer bait, live herring and fresh bunker chunks are hands-down the best bets, but bloodworms are still taking fish, especially upriver.

A couple of hot spots worth targeting today: the area around the George Washington Bridge has been hot for boaters and shore anglers alike, with good current and plenty of bait. Pier 84 near Midtown has also produced some quality fish, especially on the outgoing tide. Up north, the Tappan Zee and Croton Point are seeing steady catches, especially in deeper channels.

Expect strong fish activity all day with the moving tides, but pay special attention to the change of tide for peak bites. The outgoing tide in the morning and the start of the incoming this afternoon both look promising. Remember to keep your gear sturdy—a lot of these post-spawn bass are full of fight.

Tight lines to everyone out today. Keep your drags smooth, cast around those bait schools, and you just might hook into the fish of a lifetime on the Hudson this weekend.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning from the Hudson River, this is Artificial Lure with your fishing report for May 14, 2025. The sunrise graced the skyline at 5:39 am and will set tonight at 8:06 pm, giving anglers a generous window to get lines wet. Weather today is classic New York spring: expect temps in the low 60s early, climbing into the mid 70s by afternoon, with light westerly breezes and patchy clouds—ideal conditions for a day on the river.

Tidal movement is right on track for steady fishing action, with an early morning outgoing tide switching to incoming by late morning, pushing bait and hungry predators closer to the banks.

The main event right now is the striped bass run. Reports across the river confirm a solid mix of schoolies and larger stripers, with fish commonly running in the low 20-inch range but a healthy number stretching over 35 inches. Anglers are catching fish from shore and boat, with the outgoing tide producing best in the early hours and the bite getting a second wind in the evening slack[5][1].

Top lures continue to be Ned rigs and small paddle tails, fished slow and deep, especially around 15 to 20 feet near the channel edges. White and chartreuse plastics have been getting the most attention. If you prefer natural bait, fresh bunker chunks and live herring are still producing quality fish, mainly around the deeper drop-offs and near current seams where bait is thick[5].

There are also encouraging sightings of bluefish around the Tappan Zee Bridge stretch, and a few walleye have been reported up toward the Troy Dam. If you are after largemouth or smallmouth bass, head toward the Catskill area for some of the best action this time of year[1].

For the hot spots: try the area near Tappan Zee Bridge, which has been lively with striper and bluefish action. The Federal and Troy Dams region remains consistent for big stripers and an occasional walleye. If you want a reliable bank spot closer to the city, check out the Hudson River Park—a great setup for families or those looking for a relaxing shoreline session, though the action can be hit-or-miss[1].

Overall, fish activity is high thanks to a mix of smaller forage—think lots of herring, bunker, and grass shrimp. Keep your presentations subtle and match the hatch for best results. With water temps on the rise, expect the bite to only get better through the week. Tight lines!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Artificial Lure here, checking in with your insider's guide to what's biting around the Hudson River and New York City today—Monday, May 12, 2025.

Let’s get right into it: the tides have been running a little stronger than usual this week, thanks to the recent full moon, and today we expect a solid incoming tide around mid-morning. That’s good news for striper anglers. Sunrise today was at about 5:40 AM, and sunset will be just after 8:00 PM, giving us plenty of daylight for both early birds and after-work fishers.

Now, onto the fishing. The Hudson has been heating up with striped bass. Reports from local anglers and boards like the New York Sportsmen forum confirm that the striper run is in full swing. Most of the recent catches are school-sized fish, 18 to 30 inches, with a few larger ones mixed in, especially around bait pods. Herring are thick in the river right now, and that’s drawing stripers up from the South and Jersey Bays. We’re also seeing some shad and herring mixed in, but the stripers are stealing the show.

As for baits and lures, the old standbys are still winning. Fresh bunker chunks and live herring are irresistible right now, especially on the bottom or slow-trolling. If you want to keep it artificial, try white or chartreuse soft plastics, or flashy silver spoons. Topwater plugs are also starting to work as the bass get more aggressive in the warmer afternoons. You can’t go wrong with a white bucktail or a red-and-white tube lure, either.

Where to go? Two hotspots to hit today: First, the area around the George Washington Bridge and the nearby rocky points. The current breaks here are holding good numbers of feeding bass. Second, try the stretch just north of the Battery, especially on the outgoing tide. There’s a lot of bait pushed against the seawalls, and the stripers are on patrol.

Weather-wise, today is shaping up to be a mild one—mostly cloudy with a chance of a passing shower later this afternoon. Water temps are in the upper 50s to low 60s, which is perfect for spring fishing. Winds are light out of the south, so no excuse not to get out there.

Tight lines, folks. If you’re heading out, make sure your gear’s ready and watch the tides. The Hudson is giving us some great action this week—don’t miss it!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Hudson River fishing report for this fine Sunday morning, May 11, 2025.

Folks, we're right in the sweet spot of the spring striper run, and things are heating up nicely! The striped bass spawn has kicked into high gear these past couple weeks, with water temps finally hitting that magic zone. We've got a mix of post-spawn fish from the Chesapeake moving up and our local Hudson River stripers in various spawning stages.

Word on the water is that isolated pods of stripers have already started spawning in the Hudson, while plenty more are still pushing in from the Raritan Bay. These big mamas should continue running up the Hudson over the next week or two, making now prime time to wet a line.

Size-wise, we're seeing quite the mixed bag. Some real bruisers in the 37-40 inch class have been reported, along with plenty of schoolies still showing sea lice, meaning they're fresh in from the ocean. With the recent full moon, we've seen increased movement of stripers approaching the waters around NYC.

The best bite has been during the early morning and evening tides. For today, we've got an incoming tide through mid-morning, which should bring fresh fish in from the harbor. Try fishing the first two hours of the flood tide when the water's moving good.

Lure-wise, you can't go wrong with large soft plastics like 7-9" paddletails in white or chartreuse. Topwater action has been heating up too - try Spooks or popping plugs early and late in the day. If you're bait fishing, fresh bunker chunks or live eels have been the ticket, especially for those bigger fish.

Some hot spots to check out: The structure around the George Washington Bridge has been holding fish, with anglers working the New Jersey and New York sides both scoring. Down river, the Battery and East River junction has seen good action on the tide changes. Up river, the Tappan Zee area has been productive, especially around structure and channel edges.

Weather today looks decent - partly cloudy with temps in the mid-60s and light northwest winds at 5-10 knots. Sunrise was at 5:42 AM and sunset will be at 8:06 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to work with.

Remember, the stripers are here now, but they won't stick around forever. With the spawn happening and post-spawn fish already on the move, I'd get out there sooner rather than later. This time of year, things can change quickly!

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure, signing off until next week. Don't forget to stop by your local tackle shop for the latest intel - those guys always know what's really happening on the water.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

HUDSON RIVER FISHING REPORT - May 10, 2025

Mornin' anglers! This is Artificial Lure comin' at ya with today's Hudson River fishing report.

Lemme tell ya, the action is really heatin' up on the river! Striped bass are making their seasonal migration, following those bunker pods that are moving eastward on the south shore. The May Flower full moon is approaching, which means the big migratory stripers are starting to show up in numbers. Some real beauties are being caught around the Troy Dam area where the river gets wider and deeper.

Weather-wise, we're looking at warming temperatures, making for comfortable fishing conditions. This warming trend is actually shifting the bite patterns - the trout action is slowin' down a bit, but that's opening up opportunities for smallmouth, walleye, and even some musky that are starting their spring feeding frenzy.

For you saltwater fans, bluefish numbers are increasing from the bays to beaches. There are also some weakfish starting to move in, and the head boats are reporting good numbers of porgies being caught.

If you're hitting the back creeks, bass fishing has been solid. The local boys are having success with a variety of lures - darters, Mag Darters, and minnow plugs are taking most of the fish. With all the bunker around, I'd definitely pack some larger profile lures if you're targeting those trophy stripers.

Hot spots for today? I'd recommend checking out the area around Tappan Zee Bridge if you're shore casting - plenty of bluefish action there. For trophy stripers, head up to the Troy Dam region where bottom fishing and trolling are producing results. If you're bringing the kids or want a more relaxed experience, Hudson River Park offers decent action and is family-friendly.

The Catskill area is firing for freshwater bass if that's more your style. For those looking for variety, the Hudson River Estuary is giving up a nice mix of species right now.

Remember, with the bunker pods moving through, fresh bunker chunks or live bunker if you can get 'em will be your best bait option for the big stripers. For artificials, swimshads that mimic bunker are producing well in the early morning and evening hours.

Tides are running strong today, so plan your fishing around the slack periods for best results. The bite has been particularly good on the outgoing tide.

This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and see ya on the water!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

HUDSON RIVER FISHING REPORT - May 9, 2025

By Artificial Lure, Local Angling Expert

Good morning, fellow anglers! Today's looking prime for hitting the water around the Hudson. The stripers are making their big spring push, and it's time to get in on the action.

The striper migration is in full swing right now. Reports from earlier this week confirm that some isolated pods are already spawning in the Hudson, but even better news - there are plenty of fish still in the Raritan that should be running up our way over the next week or two[4]. We're seeing a real mix of sizes, from schoolies with sea lice on them to some monsters. Just a few days ago, anglers were landing 37 and 40-inch fish not far from here[4].

The most aggressive bite seems to be happening around lake points and bluffs. What I'm hearing from guides is that these fish aren't holding to one area for very long - they'll be along the bluffs one day and on creek flats the next. If you're not marking them, move on and circle back later, especially when the wind picks up[1].

With the full moon coming up on Monday and warmer weather returning, we should see an explosion of topwater action[1]. This time of year, caddis hatches are strong, and fish are definitely keyed in on them. For those who prefer nymphing, try a two-fly rig with a Girdle Bug paired with a caddis dropper, or run a single San Juan Worm depending on conditions. Hot flies right now include caddis patterns, San Juan Worms, and egg patterns[2].

For the streamer crowd, now's your time! The bite has been excellent - try throwing some Flatliners, Dungeons, or Double Deceivers along the banks, especially on overcast days[2].

Other species in the mix include crappie, bream, and catfish. Crappie are hitting minnows and jigs, with chartreuse working well in dingy water. Catfish will bite just about anything, but hot dogs and minnows are your best bet[2].

Local hotspots to try today: Check out the stretch between Cow Shoals downriver where the caddis hatch is strongest. Also worth investigating are the center channel deeper lanes where bigger fish are holding in 9-13 feet of water[2].

Remember, these stripers are on the move - one minute they're there, the next they're gone. That's fishing in the Hudson for ya! Yesterday, someone landed a 37-pounder nearby, and all fish were released to fight another day[1].

Get out there early, and don't forget your camera - you might just hook into the catch of the season. Tight lines and see you on the water!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Howdy anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Hudson River fishing report for this fine Wednesday morning, May 7th, 2025.

Folks, the striper migration is absolutely on fire right now! Those big spawned-out Chesapeake bass have been making their way up to the NY Bight region, and we're seeing some monster fish in the Hudson. Reports from just two days ago confirm stripers ranging from schoolie size all the way up to 45+ pounders lurking in the deeper channels.

The tides are working in our favor today with the outgoing tide proving most productive for anglers targeting these trophy bass. If you're heading out, focus your efforts during this ebb tide when the stripers tend to be most active.

Weather-wise, we're looking at mild conditions with light easterly winds - perfect for casting from shore or taking the boat out. Sunrise was at 5:49 AM, and we'll have light until sunset at 8:02 PM, giving you plenty of time on the water.

For those asking what's working, live bait is absolutely crushing it right now. Fresh bunker chunks and live herring have been the ticket for the bigger fish. Captain Chris Oliver up in Poughkeepsie has been reporting great success as these big bass move upriver. If you're more of an artificial angler (like yours truly), white bucktails with a soft plastic trailer are producing well, especially in the 1-2 oz range to get down where the big girls are holding.

The bait situation is a real smorgasbord with herring, squid, and even some early tinker mackerel showing up. This diverse buffet has these stripers feeding aggressively, particularly during the first couple hours of the outgoing tide.

As for hot spots, the stretch between the George Washington Bridge and the Tappan Zee has been consistently productive. For shore anglers, Croton Point Park has been giving up some quality bass during the early morning hours. Boat anglers should focus on the deeper channel edges, especially around the 40-60 foot depth contours.

Don't sleep on the upper harbor either – some schoolie-sized fish up to about 25 pounds have been hanging around the Battery and Liberty Island areas. Remember to release those big breeding females carefully – they're the future of our fishery!

For those looking to stock up on tackle, both the Red Top shop and the newly opened Huntington tackle shop on New York Avenue are well-stocked with all the essentials.

Time to get out there, folks! With this migration heating up and expected to peak through the end of June, now's your chance at a trophy Hudson River striper. Tight lines and see you on the water!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Artificial Lure here with your Hudson River fishing report for Monday, May 5, 2025.

We got a beautiful start to the day with sunrise right around 5:45 AM and sunset expected just after 8:00 PM. This morning’s weather is classic spring in the city—mostly clear, temps in the upper 50s early with a light breeze, and expected to hit the low 70s mid-afternoon. Light jackets early, but you’ll be in shirtsleeves by noon.

Tidewise, we’re coming off the new moon which means stronger currents and some solid movement in the river. The outgoing tide at dawn will have those predators feeding aggressively, especially just after sunrise and again later this evening on the incoming.

Now, let’s get to the action. The big story this week is striped bass—loads of them, and in all sizes. Migratory schools are thick in the lower river, with 30-inchers showing in good numbers and some true cows running past 40 pounds landed in the last few days. Most headboats out of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan are reporting easy limits of slot fish, with plenty of big girls caught and released. The bite has been best wherever big bunker schools are holding, so keep your eyes on the water for nervous bait.

Bluefish also showed up in good size, slashing through bunker pods just off the South Bronx and Harlem River stretches. If you’re looking for a quick fight and some drag-burning action, these are your ticket.

For shorebound anglers, bottom fishing for trout is still an option in the upper tidal Hudson, thanks to recent NYSDEC stockings near Johnston and the Croton area. Brown trout are taking worms and small jigs, with some up to 15 inches caught this month.

Best baits and lures? For stripers, nothing beats fresh bunker chunks or live eels if you’ve got ’em, but don’t overlook big soft plastics, swim shads, and magnum jerkbaits—chartreuse and bunker patterns especially. Bluefish will hammer anything flashy or noisy; think poppers, metal spoons, and bright stickbaits.

Hot spots today include the piers along the West Harlem Piers Park, the mouth of the Harlem River by Randall’s Island, and anywhere in the lower East River where bait piles up. Jamaica Bay and the Battery remain striper magnets, especially on the outgoing.

All in all, it’s prime time on the Hudson—striped bass are thick, the weather’s perfect, and the river’s alive. Get out there while the run is on and tight lines!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.