Fall Fishing Frenzy: Striped Bass, Bluefish, and More Thrive in NYC's Waters

As of October 17, 2024, the fishing scene in the Hudson River and surrounding New York City waters is quite vibrant, especially with the fall season in full swing. ### Weather and Tidal Conditions The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 65°F and a low of 50°F. Winds will be moderate, coming in from the northwest at about 10 mph. Tides will be significant, with a high tide at 8:47 AM and a low tide at 2:53 PM, making the changing tides ideal for catching various species. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:04 PM, providing ample daylight for both morning and evening fishing trips. ### Fish Activity Striped bass fishing has been excellent, with reports of mixed-size fish being caught off northern New Jersey and in the Hudson River itself. These bass are actively feeding on schools of peanut bunker and anchovies. According to recent reports, anglers have been catching striped bass ranging from slot-size keepers to over-slot fish up to 45 inches, particularly when using live bait. Bluefish are also abundant, with many small ones being caught in the bays. Weakfish have been spotted in the channels, and fluke fishing remains hot, although the season is nearing its end. ### Best Lures and Bait For striped bass, live bait such as eels and bunker have been highly effective. Lures like bucktails, swimshads, and plugs are also producing good results. For bluefish, using smaller lures that mimic their natural prey can be successful. For weakfish and fluke, bait such as squid and clams, along with jigs and rigs, are recommended. ### Hot Spots - **Hudson River**: The area around the George Washington Bridge and further north has seen significant striped bass activity. Anglers have reported catching bass while drifting eels and using live bait. - **New York Harbor**: This area is known for its diverse fish population, including striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish. Fishing near the harbor's structures and channels can yield good results. Overall, the fall run is shaping up to be very promising, with plenty of fish to target in the Hudson River and surrounding waters. As the water temperatures drop, the fishing is expected to get even better, especially for species like striped bass and tautog, which will start their season on October 15th. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.