What You'll Find at Hudson Park and Beach

Hudson Park and Beach is a public waterfront park in Buchanan, New York, about 35 miles north of New York City on the Hudson River's eastern bank. The park sits directly along the river and offers both shoreline access and a sandy beach area, making it one of the few Hudson River locations where you can fish from shore without paying a day-use fee. The water here is tidal and brackish, influenced by the Atlantic tides that push up the river twice daily.

The park is primarily known for striped bass and blue crab, both of which move through this section of the Hudson seasonally. You'll also encounter white perch, catfish, and occasional shad depending on the time of year. The sandy beach and shallow flats near the park make it accessible for beginners and families, though the river's current and boat traffic require attention to safety.

Key Takeaways

  • Hudson Park and Beach offers free public access to the Hudson River for fishing from shore, with a sandy beach and picnic facilities.
  • Striped bass are the primary target from spring through fall, with peak activity in May and September through October.
  • You must have a New York State fishing license to fish here, and striped bass have specific size and season regulations that change annually.
  • The park has limited parking and can fill on weekends; arrive early or visit on weekdays for better access.
  • Tidal movement and river current make this location better suited to anglers with some experience reading water conditions.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (April through May) brings the first major striped bass run as fish move upriver from the Atlantic to spawn. This is the most productive season at Hudson Park, with fish ranging from 18 inches to over 30 pounds. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s, and bass become increasingly active as they move into shallower areas to feed. Early morning and late evening are most productive, though overcast days can produce fish throughout the day.

Summer (June through August) sees striped bass move to deeper, cooler water in the main channel. Fishing slows considerably at the park's shallower areas, though early morning sessions before the heat builds can still produce results. Blue crab becomes more abundant in summer, and hand-lining or crabbing with nets becomes a viable alternative if bass fishing is slow.

Fall (September through November) brings the second major striped bass migration as fish move back downriver toward the ocean. October is typically the strongest month, with aggressive feeding and fish of all sizes present. Water temperatures drop from the 70s into the 50s, and fishing remains productive through November as long as the river doesn't freeze.

Winter (December through March) is slow. Striped bass move to deeper water and feed less frequently. White perch and catfish are present year-round but are not the primary draw for most anglers visiting the park.

How to Fish Hudson Park and Beach

Striped bass at Hudson Park respond best to live bait and soft plastics. Live bunker (menhaden) and live shiners are the top choices if you can obtain them; tackle shops in nearby Peekskill or Buchanan often stock them during the spring and fall runs. If live bait is unavailable, soft plastic shads in white, chartreuse, or natural colors cast on a 1/2-ounce to 1-ounce jig head work well in the shallower areas near the beach.

The park's sandy beach and shallow flats make it ideal for sight-casting during clear water conditions. Wade out 20 to 40 feet if the bottom is stable, and cast parallel to the shoreline or toward any visible structure—pilings, rocks, or drop-offs. The tidal current here is significant; fish often position themselves on the downcurrent side of structure to intercept bait.

Timing your visit around the tide is important. The slack water period (the 30 to 45 minutes when the tide is neither rising nor falling) is often productive, as is the first hour of an incoming tide. Outgoing tides can be productive as well, but the current is stronger and requires heavier lures to maintain bottom contact if you're fishing the deeper channel.

Crabbing is also popular at Hudson Park. Blue crabs are abundant in summer and early fall. A simple hand line with a chicken neck or squid tied to the end, lowered into deeper water near the pilings or channel edge, will catch crabs. A crab net is useful for scooping them once they grab the bait.

Regulations and Licensing

New York State requires all anglers 16 and older to carry a valid fishing license. You can purchase a one-day license, a seven-day license, or an annual license through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores in the area. The license is inexpensive and can be purchased online before you arrive.

Striped bass regulations in New York change annually and are set by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. As of recent years, the minimum size for striped bass is 18 inches, and there is a daily limit of one fish per angler. However, these rules are adjusted periodically based on population assessments, so check the current DEC regulations before you fish. Regulations are posted on the DEC website and at the park entrance.

Blue crabs have no size or bag limit in New York, making them a good target if you want to take home dinner without worrying about regulations. White perch and catfish also have generous limits and are not subject to seasonal closures.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Hudson Park and Beach is located at 1 Buchanan Road, Buchanan, NY 10511, directly off Route 9. Parking is free but limited; the lot holds roughly 40 to 50 vehicles and fills quickly on weekends, especially during the spring and fall bass runs. Arrive by 7 a.m. on weekends if you want a may provide spot, or visit on weekdays when parking is rarely an issue.

The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a small pavilion available for group use. There is no bait and tackle shop at the park itself. The nearest shops are in Peekskill, about 5 miles south, or in Buchanan proper, about 1 mile away. Stock up on bait and supplies before arriving, especially on weekends when shops may be busy.

The beach and shoreline are open year-round during daylight hours. There is no entrance fee. Dogs are allowed on leash. The park is managed by the Buchanan Parks Department and is well-maintained, though it can be crowded during peak season.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring a medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 10- to 15-pound braided or monofilament line if you're targeting striped bass. A small tackle box with jigs, soft plastics, and a few topwater lures will cover most situations. Polarized sunglasses are useful for sight-casting in shallow water. A landing net makes handling larger bass easier and safer.

The Hudson River here is tidal and can be murky, especially after heavy rain. Water clarity varies from day to day and season to season. Spring and fall typically offer better visibility than summer. The river's current is noticeable but not dangerous for wading in the shallow areas near the beach; use caution if you venture into deeper water or near the channel.

Boat traffic is moderate but present, especially on weekends and during summer. Stay alert and keep an eye on the water for approaching vessels. The park's beach area is set back from the main channel, which reduces boat traffic near the shore.

Nearby Alternatives if Hudson Park is Full

If Hudson Park's parking lot is full, several other Hudson River access points exist within 10 miles. Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson offers similar striped bass fishing and has more parking. Tompkins Cove, about 15 miles north in Stony Point, is a larger public access area with a boat launch and more amenities, though it is better suited to boat fishing. Nyack Beach State Park, on the western bank of the river about 20 miles south, offers shoreline access and is less crowded than Hudson Park on weekends.

All of these locations require the same New York State fishing license and are subject to the same striped bass regulations. Each has its own character and seasonal patterns; exploring a few will help you find the one that best matches your schedule and fishing style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish at Hudson Park year-round?

Yes, the park is open year-round during daylight hours. However, fishing is most productive from April through November. Winter fishing is slow, and the river can freeze in severe cold, making access difficult.

Do I need a boat to fish here, or can I fish from shore?

You can fish entirely from shore. The sandy beach and shallow flats make Hudson Park one of the best shore-fishing locations on the Hudson River in Westchester County. No boat is necessary.

What's the best time of day to fish at Hudson Park?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late evening (4 p.m. to sunset) are most productive for striped bass. Overcast days can produce fish throughout the day. Slack water and the first hour of an incoming tide are also reliable times to fish.

Where can I buy bait and tackle near Hudson Park?

The nearest tackle shops are in Peekskill, about 5 miles south, or in Buchanan, about 1 mile away. There is no bait shop at the park itself, so plan ahead and purchase supplies before you arrive.

Is there a fee to fish at Hudson Park?

No, there is no entrance or day-use fee. Parking is free. You only need a New York State fishing license, which you can purchase online or at most tackle shops.