Fishing Frequently Asked Questions - DEP

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Fishing Frequently Asked Questions

Fishing Frequently Asked Questions


Fishing FAQs

Most City-owned reservoirs offer excellent fishing opportunities for both warm-water species such as smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as cold-water species such as trout. For general information, please visit Fishing. If you are interested in angling from a boat, visit Boating for Anglers.

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Where are good places to go fishing?

Good fishing opportunities are available on many of the City-owned reservoirs. Further information about fishing in New York State is available from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) or by phone for DEC Region 3 at (845) 256-3000 and DEC Region 4 at (518) 357-2234.

Can I ice fish on City lands?

Ice fishing is allowed on ponds at hiking or fishing areas and at the following reservoirs and controlled lakes only:

Amawalk

Bog Brook

Boyds Corner

Cross River

Diverting

East Branch

Muscoot

Titicus

West Branch

Croton Falls

Middle Branch

Lake Gilead

Lake Gleneida

Sometimes unsafe ice conditions require DEP to close certain ice fishing areas. Please pay attention to any posted notices regarding any ice fishing closures. A minimum of three to four inches of solid ice is the general rule for safety. Ice thickness, however, is not uniform on any body of water, including New York City Reservoirs. Please visit the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website for guidance on ice fishing and ice fishing safety. Any reservoirs not listed above are closed to ice fishing due to changing water levels and public safety concerns.

Where can I get maps of the reservoirs?

You can view angler maps for all New York City Reservoirs using our Interactive Recreation Map or by directly downloading our Reservoir Angler Maps.

Can I use a boat to fish on City Reservoirs?

Yes, fishing by boat is permitted in boats that have a valid DEP Recreation or Angler Boat Tag. For more information, visit Boating for Anglers.

Are there any prohibitions on the use of waders?

No, not at this time. However, waders should be cleaned and inspected to ensure invasive species are not spread. Waterproof waders must be used when entering Reservoirs or Controlled Lakes for the purposes of Fishing. Due to the potential threat of invasive species being transferred from waders into the NYC Water Supply, DEP reserves the right to restrict the use of certain types of waders and/or prohibit use on City Property in the future.

Can I use live bait while fishing on City lands?

Yes, but not if it may introduce invasive species. The use of terrestrial bait such as worms and crickets is allowed. Live aquatic bait, which may include but is not limited to, alewives, shiners, leeches, and crawfish, may be used for fishing unless such bait has been taken from waters infested with zebra and/or Quagga mussels or other invasive species, including, but not limited to: Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, the Erie Canal, the Niagara River, the Mohawk River, the St. Lawrence River, the Susquehanna River and the Hudson River. You can view a complete list of Zebra and Quagga mussel-infested waters on the U.S. Geological Survey website. Neither bait nor the water from aquatic bait containers shall be disposed of on City Property.