The East River: Urban Fishing in Manhattan

The East River, running alongside Manhattan, offers a unique urban fishing experience where skyscrapers meet the water’s edge. While not as famed for its fishing as some other New York waters, it’s home to flounder, porgy, and occasionally, striped bass, particularly around areas like Pier 17 in the South Street Seaport.

Fishing here is more about adapting to the city’s rhythm, with spots like Brooklyn Bridge Park or Gantry Plaza State Park providing picturesque settings for casting a line. Anglers might need to contend with boat traffic and the river’s currents, but the reward can be a fresh catch with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop.

Public education on sustainable fishing practices is prominent, with local initiatives encouraging catch-and-release to maintain fish populations. The East River’s waters are cleaner than in past decades, contributing to improved fishing conditions.

Fishing in the East River is an exercise in urban escapism, blending the city’s energy with the tranquility of the water.