What Milburn Creek Park offers anglers

Milburn Creek Park sits in the Tottenville neighborhood of Staten Island, along a tidal creek that connects to the Arthur Kill waterway. The park is a small, neighborhood-focused spot rather than a major regional destination, but it holds freshwater and brackish fishing depending on tide and season. You can fish from the shoreline and from a small pier area, and the creek holds largemouth bass, catfish, and seasonal runs of other species that move through the Arthur Kill system.

Access is straightforward: the park is open to the public during daylight hours, and there is no entrance fee. Parking is limited to street parking along the surrounding residential blocks, so arrive early if you are going on a weekend. The facilities are basic—a few benches, some open grass, and the water access itself. There are no tackle shops or food vendors on-site, so bring what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Milburn Creek Park is a small neighborhood park in Tottenville, Staten Island, with shoreline and pier access to a tidal creek system.
  • Largemouth bass and catfish are the primary species; brackish conditions mean salinity changes with tide, affecting which fish are present.
  • Parking is street-only and limited, so plan to arrive early, especially on weekends.
  • No facilities beyond basic amenities exist on-site, so bring your own tackle, water, and snacks.
  • A New York State fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older.

Species and seasonal patterns at Milburn Creek

Largemouth bass are the most reliable target year-round. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the strongest seasons, when water temperatures favor active feeding. Summer fishing is possible but slower during the heat of midday; early morning and evening trips are more productive. Winter fishing is light but not impossible—some anglers catch bass and catfish through the colder months, though the creek can ice over in severe years.

Channel catfish and flathead catfish inhabit the creek, especially in deeper holes and along the pier pilings. Catfish bite better at night and during low-light conditions. The creek also sees seasonal visitors—white perch and other species move through during spring and fall migrations, though these runs are unpredictable and depend on water conditions in the larger Arthur Kill system.

Tidal influence is significant. High tide brings more water volume and can push fish into shallower areas; low tide concentrates fish in deeper channels. If you are new to the creek, fish the hour before and after high tide first—it is often the most productive window.

Regulations and licensing requirements

All anglers 16 and older must carry a valid New York State fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, by phone, or at authorized retailers. A one-day license is available if you want to try the creek without committing to a full-year license. Licenses are inexpensive and can be obtained the same day you fish.

New York has specific size and possession limits for bass and catfish. Largemouth bass must be at least 12 inches long, and you may keep up to five per day. Catfish have no minimum size in most of New York State, but check the current DEC regulations before you fish, as rules can change. The DEC website lists all current limits and any special restrictions for Staten Island waters.

The creek is open to public fishing, but respect posted signs and private property boundaries. The park itself has no special restrictions beyond standard state regulations.

How to reach Milburn Creek Park and where to park

Milburn Creek Park is located at the end of Cebra Avenue in Tottenville, the southernmost neighborhood of Staten Island. From the Staten Island Ferry terminal, drive south on Victory Boulevard, then follow local roads toward Tottenville. GPS coordinates or a map app will get you there reliably. The address is approximately 4 Cebra Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10307, though the park entrance is small and easy to miss.

Parking is street-only along Cebra Avenue and nearby residential blocks. There is no dedicated lot. Spaces fill quickly on weekends, and the neighborhood is residential, so park respectfully and do not block driveways. Arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends if you want a reliable spot. Weekday mornings are usually less crowded.

The walk from the street to the water is short—usually less than a minute. Bring your gear in one trip if possible to minimize back-and-forth.

Tackle and technique for Milburn Creek

For largemouth bass, light to medium spinning tackle works well. Use 6- to 8-pound test line and small to medium lures—crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater plugs all produce. Early morning and late evening are prime times. Cast along the pier pilings, near any submerged structure, and along the shoreline vegetation. The creek is narrow and shallow in most places, so you do not need to cast far.

For catfish, use heavier tackle and live or cut bait. Chicken liver, mackerel, and squid are effective. Fish the bottom with a simple rig—a sinker, a leader, and a circle hook. Catfish are not line-shy, so 15- to 20-pound test is fine. Fish at night or during overcast days for best results. Set your rod in a holder and wait for the bite.

The creek bottom is muddy and can snag, so carry extra rigs and be prepared to lose tackle. Wading is possible in some areas, but the bottom is soft and the water can be murky, so use caution and wear appropriate footwear.

Nearby resources and alternative spots

Tottenville has a few other small waterfront areas worth exploring if Milburn Creek is crowded or not producing. Tottenville Beach, also in the neighborhood, offers bay access and different species. The Arthur Kill itself—the larger waterway that Milburn Creek feeds into—has more extensive fishing opportunities, though access points are scattered and some require private permission.

For tackle and bait, you will need to travel outside Tottenville. Bait and tackle shops exist elsewhere on Staten Island, but none are immediately adjacent to the park. Plan ahead and bring what you need, or make a stop on your way to the park. Online retailers and big-box sporting goods stores are also options if you want to prepare before your trip.

The closest major fishing destination is Raritan Bay, which is accessible from other parts of Staten Island and offers saltwater and brackish fishing. If you want to explore beyond Milburn Creek, that is a logical next step.

What to bring and when to fish

Bring a valid fishing license, your tackle, and enough water and snacks for your session. The park has no amenities, so plan for a self-sufficient trip. Sunscreen and insect repellent are useful, especially in summer and early fall. A small cooler for keeping bait fresh is helpful if you are fishing for catfish.

Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons. Summer is slower but still fishable in early morning and evening. Winter fishing is light but possible. Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends. High tide usually produces better than low tide, so check tide tables before you go and time your visit accordingly.

The park closes at dusk, so plan your trip to end before dark. Night fishing is not permitted in the park itself, though some anglers fish nearby areas of the Arthur Kill after hours—check local regulations and private property rules if you are interested in that option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish at Milburn Creek Park?

Yes. All anglers 16 and older must carry a valid New York State fishing license. You can buy a one-day license online or at a retailer if you do not want a full-year license. The cost is low, and you can get one the same day you fish.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are most productive for largemouth bass. Summer is slower during the day but improves at dawn and dusk. Winter fishing is light but possible. Catfish bite year-round, especially at night.

Can I wade in Milburn Creek?

Wading is possible in some areas, but the bottom is soft mud and the water can be murky. Wear appropriate footwear and use caution. The shoreline and pier offer good access without wading, so it is not necessary.

Where can I buy bait and tackle near the park?

There are no shops immediately at or near Milburn Creek Park. Plan ahead and bring what you need, or stop at a bait shop elsewhere on Staten Island on your way. Online retailers are also an option if you want to prepare before your trip.

Is night fishing allowed at Milburn Creek Park?

No. The park closes at dusk and night fishing is not permitted. Some nearby areas of the Arthur Kill may allow night fishing, but check local rules and private property boundaries first.