A Fall Morning on the Hudson: Stripers, Blues, and Tides - Oct 29, 2025 Fishing Update

Another classic fall morning on the Hudson River right here in New York City, it's Artificial Lure with your October 29th, 2025, angling update. As of dawn, the river awoke under **clear skies** with temps in the upper 40s, heading for a high near 57 later in the afternoon. **Sunrise hit at 7:33 AM and sunset will set the tone at 6:02 PM**, giving plenty of daylight to wet a line. Expect winds light and variable—a calm blessing for all y’all working topwater baits. There’s no rain in today’s forecast, so conditions are downright inviting for fall fishing. **Tides are crucial today:** according to the NOAA Battery tide predictions, we just passed a low tide at 6:33 AM, with the next high rolling in around 1:17 PM and ebbing again near sunset. Plan to hit your preferred spots as that water starts moving—the incoming tide always stirs up bait and gamefish alike. **Recent fish activity’s been buzzing:** area anglers have reported good numbers of **striped bass**—not giants, but mostly solid keepers in the 20–28" range, with a few slot fish pushing through. **Schools of bluefish** are still chasing bunker pods, especially south of the GW Bridge in the early morning. Upriver around the piers, some **white perch and the occasional keeper blackfish (tautog)** have also been landed, especially by those targeting structure with crab or clam. And don’t sleep on the **late-run weakfish mixed in with the schools near Chelsea Piers and further downtown**—a couple of good fish were caught just two days ago, mostly on soft plastics. When it comes to **what’s working best right now**, it’s that classic fall combo: - **Soft plastic swimbaits** in white or bunker imitation for stripers—try a 4- to 7-inch paddle tail on a ¾ to 1-ounce jighead. - **Topwater walkers and pencil poppers** at first light if you spot bait busting on the surface—chrome and white are the local go-tos. - **Chunk bunker** or **fresh clam baits** for those anchoring up, especially near dropoffs and pier pilings. - If you're into bottom fishing, bring green crabs or Asian shore crabs for tautog—focus around old pilings, rocks, or the riprap. For the **hot spots** today: - **Pier 96 in Manhattan** (at 57th St) is a classic fall striper haunt, especially two hours before and after high tide. - The **mouth of the Harlem River, near Spuyten Duyvil**, draws bait and feeding bluefish and bass on incoming water. - **Liberty State Park’s shoreline** is also producing a mixed bag—bring the surf rod and cast just east of the ferry slips. Quick reminder for everyone: bluefish are feisty, so use wire leaders to dodge bite-offs. And for those of you targeting blackfish, keep things slow and wait for the right tap—set the hook with purpose. If you're bringing the family, look out for educational events at Hudson River Park today like the Wetlab Look-ins and Release of the Fishes at 3 PM—fun for the kids and a great excuse to check out the local marine life in the shallows. Finally, please respect the This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.