Fishing the Hudson River: Navigating Challenges and Finding Opportunities for Striped Bass in December

For December 26, 2024, if you're planning to fish in the Hudson River near New York City, here's what you need to know: First, let's look at the tides. Today, the low tide is at 5:37 AM with a height of 0.47 ft, followed by a high tide at 11:40 AM with a height of 3.76 ft. The next low tide is at 6:22 PM with a height of 0.5 ft[2]. Weather conditions are relatively calm, with sunrise at 7:22 AM and sunset at 4:29 PM. Given the recent surveys, the Hudson River has seen poor juvenile production of striped bass for the second consecutive year. The 2024 young-of-year index was 7.85 fish per haul, which is below the long-term average[1]. Despite these challenges, the Hudson River still offers good fishing opportunities. For striped bass, which are the main target here, you might not see the large numbers of previous years, but there are still fish present. Schooly-sized stripers around 25-30 inches are more common, especially during the spring migration, though this time of year they are less active due to colder water temperatures[4]. For lures and bait, consider using bunker and herring imitations, as these are crucial food sources for striped bass. Jigs and spoons that mimic these baitfish can be effective, especially when the water temperature rises above 45-47 degrees, which is not the case currently. However, using live or cut bait like herring or bunker can still yield results[4]. Hot spots include the Rondout Creek, which empties into the Hudson River and offers good access for small boats and shore fishing. Here, you can catch bass, walleye, and panfish. Another good spot is the lower Hudson River itself, particularly around areas with good structure and baitfish activity[3]. Remember to check the local fish advisories due to PCB contamination in the Hudson River. While the general population can eat some fish species in moderation, sensitive populations should avoid eating fish from certain sections of the river[5]. Overall, while the fishing conditions are not ideal due to the cold and the recent decline in juvenile striped bass, there are still opportunities to catch some fish in the Hudson River. Be patient, and adjust your tactics according to the current conditions. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.