Tag: Fishing

Protecting Prospect Park’s Wildlife

November 24, 2015

A wide variety of wildlife call Prospect Park home. In conjunction with FIDO in Brooklyn, WILD for Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Bird Club, the Prospect Park Alliance has recently taken a step toward protecting the health of the Park’s many wild residents.

The Alliance installed twelve fishing line recycling containers around the Lakeshore, where fishers can responsibly dispose of their fishing line. Improperly discarded fishing line and hooks can pose a serious injury risk to both wildlife and pets. Aquatic wildlife is especially at risk, due to their proximity to areas where fishing line is discarded. These containers were funded and constructed by FIDO and will be regularly maintained by WILD.

As a National Audubon-designated Important Bird Area, Prospect Park supports over 200 species of birds, as well as fish, turtles and other wildlife. Recreational fishers can help protect wildlife by placing used fishing line in one of the new recycling containers. Learn more about fishing in Prospect Park.

Go Fish

July 11, 2015

Catch-and-release fishing is a time-honored summer pastime in Prospect Park. Prospect Park Alliance Supervising Educator Steven Wong, who oversees fishing programs at the Audubon Center, shares some tips to make the most of your fishing fun. Read on and grab a rod!

Prospect Park is not only home to Brooklyn’s only lake, but one that is well stocked for even the most avid anglers.  You’d be surprised at the number of species in the Prospect Park Lake which can be caught (and released)!

“Prospect Park Lake is among the fishing lakes in NYC,” proclaims Steve Wong, Supervising Educator with the Prospect Park Alliance, noting that while “the most sought after fish is the largemouth bass, you’ll also see black crappie, pumpkin seed, bluegill, yellow perch, brown bull head, and common carp.”

These fish are abundant, and range in size from half, to over five pounds. “What this means to the angler is that you can catch more fish per hour and have the opportunity to catch something bigger and more exciting,” explains Wong.

And in addition to a variety of fish, the Lake itself provides a wide range of fishing scenarios, including open water, waterfalls, vegetation, rocks, and submerged structures, which, advises Wong, “ allows more experienced anglers to test or practice different skills.”

During the summer months, Wong suggests early morning or late afternoon trips to the Lake to optimize anglers’ chances of catching something. “Depending on the species, some fish might be more active during rainy conditions or at nighttime,” adds Wong.

First time fishing? The Prospect Park Alliance offers free fishing clinics for families every Saturday and Sunday in July and August, as well as family fishing nights. Learn more about fishing events on our events calendar!

Please note: Public fishing is permitted only in designated areas. Anyone 16 and older is required to hold a freshwater fishing license. Learn more about fishing in Prospect Park.