New York City offers year-round fishing opportunities. While we tend to close our boat for most of the winter season (because we need to clean it to prep for busy season and stay compliant with local requirements), even winter can technically bring fish to your dinner table. It’s one of many reasons Brooklyn is such a great place to fish. Between the harbor, the bays, and the Atlantic coast, you have access to some of the most diverse fishing on the East Coast right from Brooklyn.
The question isn’t really whether you can fish in NYC — you absolutely can. The question is which season gives you the best experience for the type of fishing you want to do.
Each season brings different species, different fishing conditions, and different challenges. What works in April won’t work in October. Where you find fish in June is not where you’ll find them in December.
If you’re planning fishing trips in NYC or trying to decide when to book your charter, here’s what you need to know about seasonal fishing in New York waters.
Spring Fishing — April Through June
Spring marks the beginning of the main fishing season in NYC. Water temperatures start rising, baitfish return to the area, and migratory species begin moving north along the coast.
Striped bass season opens April 15th, bringing one of the most anticipated fishing periods of the year. Stripers migrate through New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay, and Raritan Bay on their way north. You can target them from mid-April through June, with fish ranging from schoolies to trophy-sized bass over 30 pounds.
The striped bass migration happens in waves. Early season fish tend to be smaller, averaging 12-20 pounds. As the season progresses, larger fish move through. The fishing remains strong through May and into early June before the bulk of the migration passes north.
Fluke fishing also starts in spring, typically mid-May depending on water temperatures. Fluke provide excellent action for anglers of all experience levels. They’re plentiful, they fight well, and they make outstanding table fare.
Spring weather in NYC can be unpredictable. You might have beautiful 70-degree days in April, or you might face wind and rain that makes conditions challenging. The fish are active, but you need to be prepared for changing weather.
Summer Fishing — July Through September
Summer brings the most consistent weather and the widest variety of fishing opportunities. Water temperatures peak, fish are active, and you have multiple species to target depending on your preferences.
- Fluke fishing remains excellent through the summer months. These flatfish are abundant in New York waters, and summer fluke tend to be larger than spring fish. You can find them in the harbor, in the bays, and in deeper offshore waters.
- Bluefish are aggressive, hard-fighting fish that provide nonstop action when you find schools. They hit lures aggressively, fight all the way to the boat, and are available throughout the summer. Bluefish can be found in bays, along the beaches, and in deeper water offshore.
- Porgy fishing peaks in summer. These smaller fish are perfect for family fishing trips, they bite readily, and they’re delicious. Porgies school in large numbers and provide consistent action even when other species are less cooperative.
- Black sea bass fishing is productive through summer as well. These bottom dwellers provide excellent sport and make great eating. You can target them around structure in deeper water.
- Mackerel appear in large schools during summer months. They’re small but aggressive, making them fun to catch on light tackle. They also make excellent bait for larger species.
Summer offers the most variety. You can target different species depending on what’s biting, what the weather looks like, and what kind of fishing experience you want. The longer days mean more time on the water, and the warmer weather makes for comfortable trips.
Fall Fishing — October Through November
Fall brings some of the best fishing of the year in NYC. Water temperatures begin dropping, triggering feeding frenzies as fish prepare for winter. Migratory species pass back through the area heading south.
Blackfish (tautog) season opens October 15th and runs through late December. Blackfish are one of the most sought-after species in New York waters. They’re strong fighters, they require skill to hook consistently, and they’re considered one of the best-tasting fish you can catch locally.
Blackfish fishing is technical. These fish feed around structure — rocks, wrecks, pilings. They pick up bait cautiously and you need to feel the subtle bite to set the hook successfully. When you hook one, they immediately dive back toward structure, testing your tackle and your skill.
The blackfish bite remains strong through November, with fish actively feeding before winter. December fishing can be excellent as well, though weather becomes more of a factor as winter approaches.
Striped bass return to NYC waters in fall as they migrate south. Fall stripers can be excellent, particularly for anglers targeting larger fish. Night fishing for stripers becomes productive as the season progresses.
Bluefish remain active through fall, often more aggressive than summer fish as they feed heavily before migrating south. The cooler weather makes for comfortable fishing, and fall bluefish tend to fight harder than summer fish.
Winter Fishing — December Through March
Winter fishing in NYC is limited compared to other seasons, but opportunities still exist for dedicated anglers.
Blackfish season continues through late December in some years, weather permitting. The fishing can be excellent, but conditions matter more in winter than any other season. Cold temperatures, wind, and rough seas can make trips uncomfortable or impossible.
Cod fishing becomes the primary winter target. Cod move into deeper offshore waters as temperatures drop. Winter cod trips require venturing further from shore and dealing with potentially challenging conditions, but the reward is catching large, hard-fighting fish that provide excellent eating.
Some winter days offer surprisingly good fishing. When weather cooperates, winter trips can be productive and enjoyable. The fish are there, but accessing them depends heavily on conditions.
Most charter boats reduce their schedule significantly in winter or focus primarily on blackfish in early December and cod through January and February. Spring begins in late March as water temperatures start rising and migratory fish begin returning.
Which Season is Actually Best?
There isn’t a single “best” season for NYC fishing. The answer depends on what you’re looking for.
For variety and consistent action, summer offers the most options. Multiple species are available, weather is generally cooperative, and you have flexibility in what you target.
For challenging, rewarding fishing that requires skill, fall blackfish season is hard to beat. The technical nature of blackfish fishing and the quality of the catch make October through December prime time for experienced anglers.
For big stripers and the excitement of seasonal migration, spring offers excellent fishing as bass move through the area from mid-April through June.
For anglers who want to fish year-round, NYC provides opportunities in every season. The species change, the techniques change, and the conditions change, but the fishing never stops completely.
Planning Your NYC Fishing Trip
Timing your fishing trip matters. Booking during peak seasons for your target species increases your chances of success. Spring striper season books up quickly. Fall blackfish season fills early. Summer weekends are popular for family fishing trips.
Weather affects fishing in every season, but particularly in spring and fall when conditions can change rapidly. Wind, rain, temperature swings — all influence fish behavior and fishing success.
The Marilyn Jean has been fishing NYC waters for over 20 years. We run trips targeting seasonal species throughout the year, from morning bottom fishing to night striped bass charters. Our schedule adjusts with the seasons to target whatever’s biting.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or fishing for the first time, NYC offers quality fishing in every season. The best time to fish is when you can get out on the water.
Check our current schedule to see what we’re targeting, or give us a call at (347) 952-1442 to discuss which trips make sense for what you’re looking to catch.