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
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 requirements
A New York State fishing license is required; licensing information can be obtained by calling the Westchester County Clerk's office at (914) 995-3088 or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at (866) 472-4332. Information on permits and requirements for fishing in reservoirs located within Westchester can be obtained by calling the New York City Department of Environmental Protection at (914) 232-1309.

Boating
A variety of boating options are available throughout the parks.
Boat fees may apply.

Boat Rentals  

Playland Park
Playland Lake, Rye
(914) 813-7010
  • Lake cruise
   

Wampus Pond
Route 128, Armonk
(914) 273-3230

Boat fees
  • Rowboats are available weekends and holidays.
  • Boat rentals at Wampus Pond in Armonk will reopen for weekends and holidays beginning Saturday, May 29, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last boat out at 4 p.m.)
  • Weather Permitting.
   
Canoe Rentals

Mountain Lakes Park
North Salem
(914) 864-7312

Boat fees
  • Canoe rentals at Mountain Lakes Park (Hemlock Lake) in season.
    • Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Weekdays call for times.
    • Please call in advance to reserve.
    • Weather Permitting.
   
Kayak Rentals

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.
   
Kayak Launching  
   
Playland Park *
Rye
  • Provides self-launching access to Long Island Sound for kayaks only.
  • May through September, 8 a.m. to dusk, 7 days a week. Parking fees apply.

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. 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 in the Playland Administration building, at the sanctuary or online at Friends of Read Wildlife Sanctuary.
 
Boat Launching

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

Boat fees
  • Provides access to the Hudson River
  • Only accommodates sailboards, canoes and car-top carried boats
  • April through October, from 8 a.m. to dusk, 7 days a week.
   

George's Island Park
Montrose
(914) 737-7530

Boat fees
  • Ramp provides access to the Hudson River
  • Accommodates boats up to 21 feet in length
  • April through October, from 8 a.m. to dusk, 7 days a week.
   

Glen Island Park
New Rochelle
(914) 813-6720 / 6721

Boat fees
  • Ramp provides access to Long Island Sound
  • Accommodates boats up to 21 feet in length
  • April through October, from 8 a.m. to dusk, 7 days a week.