Hudson River Fishing Report: Striped Bass, Bluefish, and More on the Bite

Good morning from the Hudson River, this is Artificial Lure with your fishing report for May 14, 2025. The sunrise graced the skyline at 5:39 am and will set tonight at 8:06 pm, giving anglers a generous window to get lines wet. Weather today is classic New York spring: expect temps in the low 60s early, climbing into the mid 70s by afternoon, with light westerly breezes and patchy clouds—ideal conditions for a day on the river. Tidal movement is right on track for steady fishing action, with an early morning outgoing tide switching to incoming by late morning, pushing bait and hungry predators closer to the banks. The main event right now is the striped bass run. Reports across the river confirm a solid mix of schoolies and larger stripers, with fish commonly running in the low 20-inch range but a healthy number stretching over 35 inches. Anglers are catching fish from shore and boat, with the outgoing tide producing best in the early hours and the bite getting a second wind in the evening slack[5][1]. Top lures continue to be Ned rigs and small paddle tails, fished slow and deep, especially around 15 to 20 feet near the channel edges. White and chartreuse plastics have been getting the most attention. If you prefer natural bait, fresh bunker chunks and live herring are still producing quality fish, mainly around the deeper drop-offs and near current seams where bait is thick[5]. There are also encouraging sightings of bluefish around the Tappan Zee Bridge stretch, and a few walleye have been reported up toward the Troy Dam. If you are after largemouth or smallmouth bass, head toward the Catskill area for some of the best action this time of year[1]. For the hot spots: try the area near Tappan Zee Bridge, which has been lively with striper and bluefish action. The Federal and Troy Dams region remains consistent for big stripers and an occasional walleye. If you want a reliable bank spot closer to the city, check out the Hudson River Park—a great setup for families or those looking for a relaxing shoreline session, though the action can be hit-or-miss[1]. Overall, fish activity is high thanks to a mix of smaller forage—think lots of herring, bunker, and grass shrimp. Keep your presentations subtle and match the hatch for best results. With water temps on the rise, expect the bite to only get better through the week. Tight lines! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.