Hudson River Stripers, Blues, and Bunker Bonanza for NYC Anglers

Hudson River Fishing Report for New York City, May 18, 2025 Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your fresh Hudson River report for Sunday, May 18, 2025. We’re right in the heart of the spring season and the bite is hot with both resident and migratory fish putting on a show. This past week we’ve seen continued movement of big striped bass up the river as the post-spawn run ramps up. In the city stretches and a bit upriver, the action has been steady, with fish in the 28 to 40 inch range showing up on both boat and shore lines. Schoolie stripers are common, but a few trophy fish have been landed, especially after sunrise on the outgoing tide. The Tappan Zee Bridge area has been productive, both from boats and from shore, while the Hudson River Park in Manhattan is drawing families and casual anglers catching smaller bass and the occasional bluefish[1][5]. Today’s high tide is around 10:30 am and low tide will be closer to 4:40 pm, so the best action should be early morning into mid-morning, and again late afternoon as the water moves – that’s when those stripers really light up[1][4]. Sunrise was at 5:35 am, and sunset will be about 8:09 pm, giving you a long window to work the banks and piers. The bunker schools are thick in the river right now and that’s drawing predators in. Matching the hatch is key – big soft plastic shads, bunker spoons, mojo rigs, and umbrella rigs are all working well, especially for boaters trolling in the 30 to 40 foot range. From shore, try a chunk of fresh bunker or bloodworms on a fishfinder rig, or sling a big paddle tail if you like working lures[2][3]. For fly anglers, bigger streamers that imitate herring or bunker will get hit if you put them in the current seams. Aside from stripers, a few bluefish have shown up, mainly in the Tappan Zee and south to the estuary. Catfish and white perch are being caught in the quieter stretches and backwaters, especially on cut bait. Fluke have started slowly, mostly shorts with a couple of keepers reported, but the action should improve as the water warms up in the next week[2]. For hot spots, focus on the Tappan Zee Bridge area for stripers and blues, and check out Hudson River Park piers at dawn for a mix of action right in the city[5]. Troy Dam upriver is a classic spot for targeting big stripers, if you’re up for the drive. Today’s weather is partly cloudy with temps reaching the low 70s, a gentle southerly breeze and no chance of rain, making for perfect fishing conditions. That’s your Hudson River update – tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.