Boating and Fishing

Fishing is permitted in streams and lakes under the control of the Westchester County Parks Department, except in the nature preserves and where "No Fishing" signs are displayed. Find locations and fish species.

Types of fishing
Westchester County offers freshwater, saltwater, fly and ice fishing. A fly fishing area is available at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River. In winter, ice fishing is allowed on several lakes, conditions permitting, except in areas specifically designated for ice skaters.

Fishing license information and requirements
A New York State fishing license is required; licensing information can be obtained through an official State License Issuing Agent, or by phone or online with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Information on watershed access permits and requirements for fishing in reservoirs located within Westchester can be obtained online or by calling the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYSDEP) at (914) 232-1309.

Hudson River Fish Advisory Project
Information and an interactive educational stand-in display is currently on exhibition at Croton Point Park.
More information.

Boating
A variety of boating options are available throughout the parks including rentals and launching areas. Please see the list below.
Boat fees and parking fees may apply.

 

Boat Rentals
Park or FacilityDetailsFees
Wampus Pond
Route 128, Armonk
(914) 273-3230
  • Rowboat rentals are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, weekends and holidays, Saturday, May 24, 2025, through Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Weather permitting.
 Boat fees
Canoe Rentals
Park or FacilityDetailsFees
Mountain Lakes Park
North Salem
(914) 864-7312
  • Canoe rentals available Weekends only, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., must reserve in advance: Call (914) 864-7312. Fee: $10 per hour. No private watercraft permitted. Weather permitting.
 Boat fees
Kayak Rentals
Park or FacilityDetailsFees
Hudson River Recreation
(914) 682-5135

Croton Point Park
Croton-on-Hudson
(914) 862-5290

Kayak rentals at Croton Point Park.

  • Go to Hudson River Recreation and click on "Book Now" to see availability in season and beyond.
  • Weekday availability for groups.
  • Guided kayak tours, and instructional kayak lessons tours are available in season.
  • Fees apply, reservations recommended, subject to schedule and availability.
  • Weather Permitting.

Hudson River Recreation rental fees

Boat fees

Boat Launching
Park or FacilityDetailsFees
Croton Point Park
Croton-on-Hudson
(914) 862-5290
  • Provides access to the Hudson River.
  • Only accommodates sailboards, canoes and car-top carried boats.
  • Available April through October, from 8 a.m. to dusk, 7 days a week.
 Boat fees
George's Island Park
Montrose
(914) 737-7530
  • Ramp provides access to the Hudson River.
  • Accommodates boats up to 21 feet in length.
  • Available April through October, from 8 a.m. to dusk, 7 days a week.
 Boat fees
Glen Island Park
New Rochelle
(914) 813-6720 / 6721
  • Ramp provides access to Long Island Sound.
  • Accommodates boats up to 21 feet in length.
  • Available April through October, from 8 a.m. to dusk, 7 days a week.
 Boat fees
Kayak Launching
Park or FacilityDetailsFees
Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary* (members only)

Access to Read Sanctuary and kayak launch is possible by becoming a member of the Friends of Read Wildlife Sanctuary Inc., a non-profit group associated with the nature preserve.

 Boat fees

Note: Members are issued a bar-coded membership card that allows access via the Playland parking lot. This access is for the sanctuary and launch only. Applications are available at the sanctuary or online at Friends of Read Wildlife Sanctuary.