Environmental Protection311Search all NYC.gov websites
Fishing
City-owned reservoirs are open for fishing from shore and boats. A New York State fishing license and following all applicable New York State fishing regulations is required. It is common for many reservoirs to produce 4–5 pound bass and lake trout exceeding 15 pounds! If you are interested in angling from a boat, visit Boating for Anglers for information about boat tags and other boating requirements.
In addition to our reservoirs, we also offer City-owned watershed lands that border excellent trout fishing streams such as the Batavia Kill, West Branch Delaware River, Esopus Creek, and many smaller tributaries.
- Download the Fishing Brochure
- Download Reservoir Angler Maps
- View the NY State Department of Health Fish Consumption Advisory
For answers to commonly asked questions about fishing, visit Fishing FAQs.
DEP posts Watershed Recreation Signs on City-owned land. These signs indicate the types of permitted recreational activity according to DEP’s recreation rules and all applicable New York State regulations. If your activity requires a free DEP Access Permit, be sure to apply for one before heading out. For answers to commonly asked questions about DEP Access Permits, please visit DEP Access Permit FAQs.
Recreation Unit Closures
Please read and follow the Watershed Recreation Signs posted in these project areas.
-
Ashokan North Recreational Unit: Town of Olive, Ulster County. The Ashokan North Rec Unit will be affected by a temporary closure starting November 1st due to a forest management project. This temporary closure will impact access for Hunting & Trapping, Fishing, Boating, and Hiking. The restricted portion is located on City reservoir lands located between Dubois Road and Boulevard Road. This project will be active from November 1st to April 1st. Please check back for updates, follow all signage posted on site, and stay back from any workers or equipment on site.
-
East Fishkill Recreational Unit: The “Chia Lin” parcel within the East Fishkill Recreational Unit in the Town of East Fishkill, Dutchess County will be temporarily closed between Tuesday, October 14 through Friday, November 28 due to a forest restoration project on site. There will be no access to this property during the project period. The property will reopen on Saturday, November 29.
-
Glenford Recreational Unit: Town of Hurley, Ulster County. The Glenford Rec Unit will be affected by a temporary closure starting November 1 due to a forest management project. This temporary closure will impact access for Hunting & Trapping, Fishing, Boating, and Hiking. The restricted portion is located on City reservoir lands located between Dubois Road and Boulevard Road. This project will be active from November 1st to April 1st. Please check back for updates, follow all signage posted on site, and stay back from any workers or equipment on site.
-
Mile Shore Recreational Unit: Town of Hurley, Ulster County. The Mile Shore Rec Unit is temporarily closed due to an active forest management project. Access for Hunting & Trapping, Fishing, Boating, and Hiking are all restricted until project completion (anticipated Summer 2026). This closure affects all City reservoir lands from Baker Road south to access gate E23C. Please check for updates, follow signage posted on site, and stay back from any workers or equipment on site.
-
New Croton Fishing Access Areas: Town of Somers, Westchester County. DEP lands on both sides of NY Route 100 between Old Route 100 and Muscoot Farm County Park, including New Croton boat storage areas 17, 18, 19, and 20, will be subject to intermittent closures beginning in December 2024. Crews will be performing vegetation management and forest enhancement work throughout 2025. For up-to-date information on locations of active work, please contact the Mahopac boat office at (914) 232-1309 or the DEP Recreational Permit office at (800) 575-5263.