As of October 24, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene in the Hudson River and around New York City:

Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with light winds, making it a decent day to get out on the water. Sunrise is at 7:23 AM, and sunset will be at 5:53 PM. The tidal report shows a high tide at 10:14 AM and a low tide at 4:04 PM, which could be favorable for catching striped bass, especially during the outgoing tide when the water is warmer and baitfish are more active.

Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of striped bass, bluefish, and some occasional weakfish. The striped bass have been spotty but consistent in certain areas, particularly around the Statue of Liberty and the East River. Fish sizes ranged from schoolies to some larger bass up to 30 inches, with a few reports of bigger fish in the 40-inch range further up the river near Troy and Albany.

For lures, soft plastics and large plugs have been effective, especially those that mimic herring or other baitfish. Given the time of year, the stripers are still keyed in on herring and other forage, so using lures that resemble these can increase your chances of a catch. For bait, fresh chunk bait, especially herring or bunker, has been working well.

Hot spots include the areas around the Statue of Liberty, where the structure and currents tend to concentrate baitfish and larger predators. Another good spot is near the George Washington Bridge, where the river narrows and creates strong currents that stripers like to ambush prey in.

Remember to fish near river mouths and estuaries, especially during the outgoing tide, as these areas tend to warm up and attract more baitfish. If you're fishing at night, look for areas with surface activity or listen for baitfish splashing in the quiet estuaries. With the full moon phase just passing, the fish should be more active as they prepare to migrate up the Hudson River for the winter months.