Striped Bass Fishing the Hudson: Tips for the December Bite

For December 19, 2024, if you're planning to hit the Hudson River for some striped bass fishing, here's what you need to know. First off, let's look at the tides. Today, you've got a high tide at 5:51 AM and another at 5:59 PM, with low tides at 11:53 AM. The best times to fish are usually around the high tides, so plan your trip for the hour before and after these times[2]. Weather-wise, it's been relatively mild lately, but the fish are still a bit lethargic due to the cooler water temperatures. The water needs to be around 45 to 47 degrees for the fish to become more active, but with the recent warmer weather, there's been a slight improvement in the bite[1]. Sunrise is at 7:19 AM, and sunset is at 4:25 PM, so you've got a good window to get out there. As for fish activity, the Hudson River is loaded with striped bass, particularly in the lower portions of the river. You're likely to catch schoolie-sized fish, mostly in the 25 to 30 inch range. Some larger fish up to 40 pounds were caught earlier in the season, but they've moved offshore temporarily due to the cold spell and rain[1]. For lures and bait, bloodworms have been working well, especially in areas like the Lower Wappingers Creek and around Beacon. Moving water is key, so look for spots where the current is strong. The Bleachery area near Wappingers Falls and the Pete And Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park in Beacon are hot spots you should consider[1][3]. Keep in mind that regulations north of the George Washington Bridge will change come May 1, but for now, the slot limit is 18 to 28 inches. So, gear up, head out during the high tide windows, and be patient – the fish are there, they're just a bit sluggish until the water warms up a bit more. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.