Overshadowed by its larger cousin, the Lake, the Harlem Meer is nevertheless very popular with anglers. Located at the northeastern corner of Central Park, next to the Conservatory Garden, this lake offers diverse fishing opportunities, as a large population of sunfish and small to large-sized bass are abundant throughout. For the patient angler, some large carp are often seen cruising farther from the bank.
Physical Features
Area: 9.98 acres
Maximum depth: 5-7 feet
Access
The Harlem Meer is located in the northeast corner of Central Park. It is readily accessible by train lines 2, 3, 6, B and C as well as many bus lines. There is shoreline access around most of the lake. The Harlem Meer is very popular, so take care when casting your line to avoid interfering with other anglers and pedestrians.
Fishing Information
To catch a good-sized largemouth bass, try a soft plastic bait like a plastic worm Texas or wacky rigged. In summer try reaction baits such as topwater lures, crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, or swimbaits. Bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed can be caught using a bobber and live worms, or small, plastic lures. Remember to tamp down all barbs on hooks as New York City regulations require the use of barbless hooks.
Fish Species:
Largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, green sunfish, brown bullhead, common carp and golden shiner.
Special Regulations
Special regulations apply. See Special Fishing Regulations for NYC.
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation rules require the use of non-lead weights and barbless hooks.
Fishery Highlights and Reports
| Waterbody | 8" and over | 12" and over | 15" and over | year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100th Street Pool | 50 | 37 | 0 | 2022 |
| Baisley Pond | 10 | 6 | 6 | 2021 |
| Central Park Lake | 9 | 5 | 0 | 2019 |
| Harlem Meer | 102 | 78 | 37 | 2021 |
| Kissena Lake | 55 | 20 | 4 | 2022 |
| Oakland Lake | 55 | 20 | 2 | 2021 |
| Prospect Park Lake | 51 | 19 | 1 | 2021 |
| Van Cortlandt Lake | 41 | 15 | 0 | 2021 |
| Willowbrook Lake | 17 | 17 | 8 | 2020 |
| Wolfe's Pond | 31 | 9 | 0 | 2021 |
Harlem Meer Fisheries Survey and Technical Brief
Boat electrofishing surveys of the Harlem Meer have been performed bi-annually since 2009 with the most recent executed in June, 2021. Fish species captured during this survey were bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish, largemouth bass, black crappie, and brown bullhead catfish. No yellow perch, green sunfish, or golden shiner were captured as in previous surveys. Largemouth bass catch rates were high relative to other New York State waters of similar size, particularly for fish of lengths 12 inches and greater. While largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish catch rates were slightly less than in a 2019 survey, catch rates of larger-sized fish were higher. Full findings can be found in the Harlem Meer Technical Brief (PDF).
Harlem Meer Angler Creel Survey
A creel survey of anglers at the Harlem Meer was performed from May 5 - October 31, 2015. The survey was used to characterize both angler activity and those who fish. Information collected included fish species targeted and caught, types of gear used, and anglers' perceptions about fishery-related issues. A majority of anglers at the Harlem Meer fish for any species that will bite, while 36% of anglers fish specifically for largemouth bass. The catch rate (fish per hour) at the Meer is 2.11 with a catch rate of .61 for largemouth bass. The most common comment from Harlem Meer anglers concerned overgrowth of aquatic plants. Findings from this survey suggest the Harlem Meer is New York City's most popular freshwater fishing location. Conclusions and management recommendations are included in the full Angler Creel Survey Report (PDF).
