Sometimes, the crowded streets of New York City can be a bit overwhelming. For those who enjoy nature and outdoor activity, the summer provides city residents plenty of opportunities to go outside and enjoy.
Many city residents enjoy fishing but do not know where they can go to fish. Regardless of what borough you call home, there are plenty of fishing spots to sit back, relax and enjoy the summer.
Bronx
Crotona Park (Crotona Park North to South, Fulton Av to Southern Blvd and Crotona Park East)
The park is home to a 3.3-acre lake with turtles, ducks and fish.
To get there, take the 2 or 5 train to 174th Street, walk downstairs under the train platform and across Boston Road. Make a left and follow Boston Road to Charlotte Street. Make a right, and the park and lake will be straight ahead.
Van Cortlandt Park (Bailey Ave and Van Cortlandt Park South)
The park is the home of the city's third-largest park, the country's first public golf course and the largest freshwater lake in the entire borough.
To get to this park, take the 1 train to the 242nd Street/Van Cortlandt Park station. Walk east through the park to the lake.
Staten Island
Clove Lakes Park (1150 Clove Road)
The park is filled with lakes and ponds that allow for a beautiful day out. The park is also filled with plenty of athletic facilities and a 300-year-old tulip tree.
To get there, take the 1, R or W train to the Whitehall Street/South Ferry station and then take the Staten Island Ferry to the St. George terminal. At the terminal, take the S61 or S91 bus to intersection of Clove Road and Victory Boulevard. Walk west to the park.
Wolfe's Pond Park (Cornelia Avenue and Hylan Boulevard)
The park on Staten Island's south shore contains a beach that many residents visit to escape and relax, as well as to fish.
To get there, take the 1, R or W train to the Whitehall Street/South Ferry station. Then, take the Staten Island Ferry to St. George terminal. At the terminal, board the S78 bus and take it to the intersection of Hylan Boulevard and Cornelia Avenue. Walk south along Cornelia Avenue to the park entrance.
Manhattan
Central Park Lake (located in Central Park at Mid-Park from 71st to 78th Streets)
The 18-acre lake is home to at least nine different species of freshwater fish, including yellow perch, black crappie and bluegill.
To get here, take the B or C train to the 72nd Street Station and walk east into the park.
Harlem Meer (located in Central Park on the east side from 106th to 110th Street)
Located at the northeastern corner of Central Park, the 8.98-acre lake offers anglers the opportunity to catch a variety of sunfish and bass.
To get here, take the 2 or 3 train to the 110th Street/Central Park station and walk south into the park.
Hudson River Park
The Hudson River is filled with 70 different species of fish. Fishing is allowed in the Hudson - and some of the fish that can be caught can also be eaten. (Check with the state Health Department.)
The park's "Big City Fishing" program allows visitors to go fishing in different areas of the park for free on Sundays (at Pier 25 and Pier 84) and on Mondays (at Pier 25 and Pier 46) during the summer months.
The park's estuary lab also teaches kids what they can catch in the river through a program that allows them to catch and release lots of different fish.
Queens
Baisley Pond Park
The parkland has a history dating back tens of thousands of years. The park is home to large bass, common carp, bluegill fish and other kinds of marine life. The park contains a 28-acre place for fishing. There are also plenty of lily pads to be seen.
To get here, take the E, J or Z train to the Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer station and then take the Q111 bus to Guy R Brewer Boulevard and Baisley Boulevard. Then, walk or take the Q113 bus southwest along Baisley Boulevard to the park.
Kissena Lake (northeast part of the park between 160th Street and 163rd Place)
Located in relaxing Kissena Park, this lake is covered by willows and trees, providing a shady and enjoyable fishing experience. The lake is 8.5 acres of tranquil natural waterbodies. It has been through several man-made transitions to bring the lake back to a more "natural" condition.
To get there, take the 7 train to the Flushing/Main Street station. At the station, take the Q26 bus to 46th Avenue and 164th Street (Pidgeon Meadow Road). Then, walk two blocks south to the park entrance on Oak Avenue, or take the Q65 bus to 164th Street and Lithonia Avenue and walk east into the park.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge Park
The park spans more than 1.3 miles of Brooklyn's waterfront and provides a beautiful view of the New York Harbor. Dozens of species of fish call the waters of this park home.
To get to this park, go to the western end of Pier 5.
Prospect Park Lake (South side of the park between Prospect Park Southwest and St. Paul's Place)
The park is well known for its wetlands and trees. The park has become a very popular spot for catch-and-release fishing. Fish that can be found here include largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish.
To get here, take the F train to the Fort Hamilton Parkway stop. Walk three blocks east to the park entrance at the intersection of Prospect Park Southwest and Parkside Avenue.
For more information on fishing locations and rules, and for any other questions, visit the city Parks Department's website.