Fishing in Central Park

With the exception of the reservoir and the Turtle Pond, all other three bodies of water are opened to public for the fishing activities. Permit are not required and rods and baits are even provided free at the Harlem Meer.

All fishing are catch-and-release basis. Fish caught must be put back to the water immediately. Barbed hooks and lead sinkers are not permitted to use in the ponds since barbless hooks do less harm to fish caught and lead free sinkers may avoid pollution to the water.

A wide variety of fish are stocked in the water, including

Turtles are occaionally seen peeping at the surface of the water or sometime caught by anglers. Most commonly spotted species are the Red-eared slider and the Painted Turtle. All are small size weighing around a pound but size about 3 feet is not unusual.

There are certain wildlife you wouldn't expect to find in this busy city. A pair of Egret practising catch-and-eat at the long shoreline of the Lake. Trails of bubbles and wave of currents under water should be the cormorant chasing sunnies under water. Ducks are a must in the scenery. A pair of swan leading their kids begging for bread from the parkgoers. Sparrow, pigeon, woodpecker and seagulls can easily be seen at the edge of the water. If you use bread as bait, be sure to watch the squirrel may steal a piece from you while you are concentrated in casting your line. If you stay late till dusk, Raccoon will come out to greet you too.