What You'll Find at Wright's Landing Marina

Wright's Landing Marina sits on the Hudson River in the lower valley, offering boat launch access and moorage for anglers targeting striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. The facility operates a public launch ramp and maintains slips for seasonal and transient boats. The marina is a working commercial operation, not a dedicated fishing resort, so amenities are basic—fuel, launch service, and parking—rather than tackle shops or guide services.

The Hudson at this location is tidal, meaning water levels and current direction change twice daily. This affects where fish hold and how you fish them. The river here is wider and deeper than upstream sections, with channels that shift seasonally. Striped bass move through in spring and fall; largemouth bass stay year-round in shallower bays and backwater areas. Catfish are present but less targeted than in other Hudson sections.

Access is straightforward if you have your own boat. If you do not, you will need to arrange a charter or guide service separately—the marina itself does not operate fishing trips. The launch ramp is usable at most tides, but water level matters for trailer boats during very low water periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Wright's Landing Marina offers a public launch ramp and moorage on the Hudson River, suitable for boats targeting striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish.
  • The Hudson is tidal at this location, so water levels and current direction change twice daily and affect where fish are found.
  • Striped bass are most abundant in spring and fall; largemouth bass are present year-round in shallower areas and backwater pockets.
  • The marina provides fuel and launch service but not tackle, bait, or guide services, so plan accordingly before you arrive.
  • New York State fishing licenses are required for all anglers, and striped bass have specific size and season restrictions that change by year.

Seasons and What Fish Are Active

Spring (April through May) brings the strongest striped bass run. Fish move upriver from the ocean to spawn, and they feed heavily before and after the run. You will find them near current breaks, rocky structure, and deeper channels. Largemouth bass also become active as water warms, moving into shallower bays and around submerged timber.

Summer (June through August) is slower for striped bass in the lower Hudson—many move to deeper, cooler water or return to the ocean. Largemouth bass remain active but often move deeper during the day and feed more actively at dawn, dusk, and night. Catfish bite throughout summer, especially at night.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong striped bass period as fish move back downriver toward the ocean. This is often more productive than spring because fish are less focused on spawning and feed more consistently. Water temperature drops, and largemouth bass become more active throughout the day.

Winter (December through March) is slow. Striped bass are largely gone or deep and inactive. Largemouth bass bite sporadically on mild days. Many anglers do not fish the lower Hudson in winter unless they are specifically targeting catfish or willing to work hard for occasional bass.

Launch Ramp Conditions and Tides

The launch ramp at Wright's Landing is concrete and maintained year-round. It is usable at most tides, but water level is the limiting factor. During very low tide, the ramp may have shallow water at the end, making it difficult to launch or retrieve larger boats. During high tide, the ramp is fully usable. If you are launching a deep-draft boat, check tide tables before you go or call the marina to ask about current conditions.

Parking is available for trailers and vehicles. The lot fills during peak season weekends, especially in spring and fall when striped bass fishing is best. Arrive early or plan a weekday trip if you want to avoid crowding.

Fuel is available at the marina. Prices vary seasonally and by fuel type. Call ahead if you need specific information about fuel availability or pricing.

Regulations and Licensing

All anglers in New York State must carry a valid fishing license. You can obtain one through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, by mail, or at many sporting goods retailers. Licenses are available for one day, seven days, or a full year. Non-residents and residents have different pricing.

Striped bass have specific regulations that change year to year. Minimum size, maximum size, and season dates are set by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and adopted by New York. Check the current DEC regulations before you fish—violations carry fines. Largemouth bass have a year-round season with a 12-inch minimum size in most of New York. Catfish have no closed season and no size limit in this area.

The Hudson River has fish consumption advisories for certain species due to PCB contamination. Check the DEC website for current advisories before you keep any fish for eating. Many anglers practice catch-and-release to avoid the risk.

Boat Types and Fishing Methods

The Hudson at Wright's Landing is wide and deep enough for most recreational boats. Center console boats, bass boats, and cruisers are common. Kayaks and small jon boats work well for fishing shallower bays and backwater areas near the marina. The main river channel has commercial barge traffic, so stay alert and keep to designated areas if you are in a small boat.

Striped bass are caught by casting plugs and soft plastics, trolling live or dead baitfish, and jigging. Spring and fall runs favor casting and jigging near structure. Largemouth bass respond to soft plastics, topwater lures, and live shiners in shallow water and around vegetation. Catfish are caught on live or cut bait fished on the bottom, usually at night.

Current direction and tide stage matter for all methods. Fish hold on the downcurrent side of structure during incoming tide and move to shallower areas during slack water. Learning the tide cycle for your fishing day will improve your success more than any other single factor.

Nearby Services and Lodging

Wright's Landing Marina is in a developed area with gas stations, restaurants, and basic retail nearby. Tackle shops are not immediately adjacent to the marina, so bring what you need or plan to drive to a larger town. The nearest major tackle retailers are in larger communities within 15 to 30 minutes depending on your exact location.

Lodging options range from budget motels to mid-range hotels in nearby towns. Campgrounds are available in the region if you prefer that option. Book ahead during peak season (spring and fall), as rooms fill quickly when striped bass fishing is best.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Wright's Landing Marina is accessible by car. GPS coordinates and directions are available through the marina's contact information or through online maps. Parking is on-site. If you are towing a boat, allow extra time to back down the ramp, especially if you are unfamiliar with the facility.

Plan your trip around tide tables. The Hudson's tidal range at this location is significant, and high tide often produces better fishing than low tide. Tide tables are free through NOAA or through many fishing apps. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your intended launch time to account for parking, backing down the ramp, and preparing your boat.

Bring a current New York fishing license, a copy of the DEC regulations for striped bass and largemouth bass, and a tide table or app. Weather on the Hudson can change quickly, especially in spring and fall. Check the forecast before you leave and bring appropriate clothing and safety gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish at Wright's Landing Marina?

Yes, the marina is a launch facility for private boats. If you do not own a boat, you will need to arrange a charter or guide service through an independent operator. The marina itself does not operate fishing trips or rentals.

What is the best time of year to fish for striped bass here?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through November) are most productive. Spring fishing focuses on the spawning run; fall fishing is often better because fish feed more consistently. Summer and winter are slower.

Can I keep fish I catch for eating?

You can keep striped bass and largemouth bass if they meet size and season requirements, but check the DEC fish consumption advisory for the Hudson River first. PCB contamination is a concern for certain species in this area. Many anglers practice catch-and-release to avoid the risk.

What happens if the tide is very low when I want to launch?

Low tide can make the ramp shallow at the end, making it difficult to launch or retrieve deep-draft boats. Call the marina before you go to ask about current water levels, or check a tide table and plan to launch during higher tide periods.

Are there tackle shops near the marina?

No tackle shops are immediately at Wright's Landing. Bring the tackle and bait you need, or plan to drive to a larger town with sporting goods retailers. The nearest shops are typically 15 to 30 minutes away depending on your location.