The best spots for fishing NY families love

Anybody who has wandered along Hudson River Park has seen anglers out on the piers trying to catch the fish that call the Hudson River Home. That’s because the fishing is good, and the location couldn’t be more pleasant: You have gorgeous river views, plus all the amenities of the park.

The Harlem Meer in Central Park is the perfect place for your little one to get their feet wet, so to speak. Not only is the shallow pond is stocked with fish, there are playgrounds, ballfields and bike trails close by. You can work a little catch-and-release into a fun-filled day in the park.

Home to largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill sunfish and more, Prospect Park Lake is a perfect first-time experience for catch-and-release fishing. The lake might be in one of the city’s great urban parks, but it can feel wild—a taste of nature in the middle of Brooklyn.

The Bronx River Greenway has a dedicated community of anglers who fish at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Soundview Park and Concrete Plant Park. It’s strictly catch-and-release: The Bronx River is the cleanest its been in decades, but it’s best to play it safe.

The 215-acre Willowbrook Park in Staten Island is best-known for the Carousel for All Children, a Victorian-era merry-go-round with sideshow-style painted panels of island legends. It also has excellent catch-and-release fishing in Willowbrook Lake, one of the highlights of the Staten Island Greenbelt. 

Besides the spectacular views of Manhattan and the East River, this 12-acre Long Island City spot boasts an interesting piece of history. The manicured waterfront stretch is built around restored gantries, which were formerly used for loading and unloading barges. Not only is it one of the city’s nicest parks (with one of the best and playgrounds!), it's also home to excellent saltwater fishing. You can even make a maritime day of it, and arrive by NYC Ferry.

The 18-acre Van Cortlandt Lake in Van Cortlandt Park is home to yellow perch, brown bullheads, largemouth bass, black crappie and carp. It’s strictly catch-and-release. The freshwater lake has a shoreline that includes flat grassy banks that makes access easy for the little ones.

The Red Hook waterfront is known for its fishing, with anglers heading to Columbia Street Esplanade, the IKEA Quay, and Valentino Pier, at the end of Coffey Street. Bonus: You're just steps away from the $1 sticky buns or soft-serve ice cream at IKEA.

The promenade under the Queensboro Bridge has excellent fishing—anglers like how the tides run along the shore. Fish not biting? No problem! There are grass ballfields and playgrounds to entertain the kids.