Spring Stripers and Blues Heat Up the Hudson: March Fishing Report

Hey folks, Artificial Lure here, your go-to guy for Hudson River fishin' right here in the heart of NYC. It's March 18th, 2026, and we're kickin' off spring with some solid action despite the chill. Sunrise was at 7:05 AM, sunset 'round 7:10 PM—plenty of daylight to wet a line. Weather's brisk: highs near 45°F, lows in the upper 30s, partly cloudy with light NW winds at 10-15 mph. Water temps hoverin' low 40s, perfect for early movers. Tides today? High at 8:20 AM and 8:45 PM, low at 2:05 PM—fish the outgoing hard, especially last two hours for rips and current breaks. Fish activity's pickin' up as shad and herring stage. Recent reports from Jersey Anglers and local piers show stripers pushin' 28-31" slot limits, one per day, slammin' bunker chunks and SP Minnows. Blues blitzin' year-round, no min size, three bag—bucktails with Gulp killin' 'em. Early blackfish (tautog) on green crabs near structure, and shad runs firin' with small spinners or worms. Striped bass peakin' April-May, fall legendary, but spring migrants are here now. Best lures: White bucktails jigged deep, soft plastics like Gulp Swimming Mullet, SP Minnows on moving tides. Bait? Bunker chunks, clams, live eels, green crabs for tog—bloodworms for any kingfish sneakin' in. Hot spots: Hit the piers under Brooklyn Bridge for stripers on outgoing—easy access, fish the pilings. Or George Washington Bridge north side, drift bucktails in the washes. Boat guys, Raritan Bay edges for bigger linesides. Bundle up, check regs, and stay safe on slippery rocks. Thanks for tunin' in, folks—subscribe for more reports! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.