FDR Park is a 348-acre urban fishery on the Delaware River with striped bass, catfish, and carp in tidal pools and channels

FDR Park sits along the Delaware River in South Philadelphia, offering public access to tidal water that holds striped bass in spring and fall, channel catfish year-round, and common carp in summer. The park has multiple ponds and channels created by dikes and water management structures, which concentrate fish in predictable spots. Most fishing happens from shore along designated paths and at the pond edges; boat access exists but requires separate arrangements. The water is tidal, so tide timing matters more here than at inland lakes — incoming tide typically brings feeding fish into the shallower areas.

The park is free to enter and open dawn to dusk. It sits at 1500 South Broad Street, about 10 minutes south of Center City Philadelphia by car, with parking available in the lot near the main entrance. Public transit reaches it via SEPTA bus routes 4 and 17. The landscape is mostly open, with few trees and full sun exposure, so plan for heat in summer and bring water.

Key Takeaways

  • FDR Park holds striped bass in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October), catfish in summer, and carp year-round in its tidal channels and ponds.
  • Fishing is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk; no permit is required for rod-and-reel fishing in Pennsylvania tidal waters.
  • Tide timing is critical — incoming tide concentrates fish in shallow areas, while outgoing tide pushes them into deeper channels.
  • The park has no amenities (no restrooms, no food vendors, no shade structures), so bring everything you need for a full day.
  • Access is by foot from the parking lot or via public transit; the park is not suitable for wading or boat fishing without prior coordination with park management.

Seasons and What Fish Are Present

Striped bass move through the Delaware in two windows: April through May (spring spawning run) and September through October (fall migration). During these periods, fish 18 to 36 inches are common in the deeper channels near the dikes. They respond to live shad, eels, and large soft plastics. Outside these windows, striped bass are present but scattered and harder to locate consistently.

Channel catfish are the most reliable target from June through September. They feed heavily in the warm months and tolerate the park's murky water better than other species. Chicken liver, cut shad, and commercial stink baits work well. Fish 2 to 8 pounds are typical; larger fish (10+ pounds) are possible but less frequent. Catfish bite throughout the day but are most active at dawn and dusk.

Common carp are present May through October and grow large in the park's rich food base. Fish 15 to 30 pounds are realistic targets for anglers using corn, dough balls, or specialized carp baits. Carp require patience and a quiet approach — they spook easily in the shallow pond areas. Early morning and late afternoon are best.

Winter fishing (November–March) is slow. Water temperature drops, fish move to deeper channels outside the park's main ponds, and access becomes less productive. Most anglers skip this season.

Where to Fish and How Tides Work Here

FDR Park's layout is defined by its dike system. The main fishing zones are the pond areas on the west side of Broad Street (accessible by walking from the parking lot) and the tidal channels along the river edge. The ponds are shallower and hold carp and catfish; the channels are deeper and hold striped bass during migration season.

Tide timing is the single most important factor. The Delaware River at Philadelphia has a tidal range of about 6 feet. Incoming tide (flood) pushes water into the shallow ponds and channels, concentrating baitfish and predators. Outgoing tide (ebb) drains the shallows and pushes fish into the deeper channels and river proper. Most anglers fish the incoming tide for 2 to 3 hours before slack water, then leave as the tide turns out.

Check tide tables for Philadelphia before you go — NOAA publishes them free online, and many fishing apps include them. High tide at FDR Park occurs roughly 30 minutes after high tide at the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (the reference point for Philadelphia). Plan to arrive 1 to 2 hours before high tide to position yourself as water begins moving in.

The pond areas have defined walking paths; stay on them to avoid disturbing the habitat and to keep your footing on soft ground. The river-edge channels are accessible but muddy and slippery — wear boots with good grip.

Regulations and What You Need to Bring

Pennsylvania does not require a fishing license for rod-and-reel fishing in tidal Delaware River waters. However, you must follow state size and creel limits: striped bass have a 18-inch minimum with a 2-fish daily limit, catfish have no size limit and a 50-fish daily limit, and carp have no limit. Possession of live baitfish (shiners, shad, eels) for use as bait is legal; check current regulations if you plan to keep baitfish overnight.

The park has no facilities — no restrooms, no water fountains, no shade, and no food vendors. Bring a cooler with water and food, sunscreen, a hat, and a headlamp if you plan to fish dawn or dusk. Mosquitoes are heavy in summer, especially near the ponds; insect repellent is essential. Bring a small first-aid kit for cuts from shells and rocks.

Parking is free in the lot near the main entrance. The lot fills on weekends in spring and fall; arrive early or plan for a short walk from overflow parking on nearby streets.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For striped bass, use 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy spinning rods with 15- to 20-pound braided line. Live shad (3 to 5 inches) or eels (6 to 10 inches) are most effective, fished on a simple sliding sinker rig to keep them near the bottom in the channels. Soft plastics (6- to 8-inch swimbaits or shads) also work, especially early in the season when water is cooler.

For catfish, a 6- to 7-foot medium rod with 12- to 15-pound monofilament is sufficient. Use a three-way rig with a sinker on one arm and a 12-inch leader with a circle hook (size 2/0 to 4/0) on the other. Chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial stink baits are standard. Fish on the bottom and wait for the rod to load.

For carp, use a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 15- to 20-pound line and a simple running sinker rig with a size 2 or 4 circle hook. Corn, dough balls, or boiled potatoes work well. Cast 20 to 40 feet from shore and wait. Carp fishing requires patience — bites can be 30 minutes apart.

Bait shops in South Philadelphia (within 5 miles of the park) stock live shad, eels, and chicken liver. Plan to buy fresh bait the morning of your trip; the park is not a destination where you can rely on bait from home.

Access and Parking

FDR Park is located at 1500 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145. The main parking lot is free and holds about 40 cars; it fills quickly on spring and fall weekends. Overflow parking is available on nearby residential streets, though you may walk 10 to 15 minutes to reach the fishing areas.

By car from Center City, take Broad Street south for about 2 miles; the park entrance is on the left (east) side of Broad Street, marked by a green sign. Parking is in the lot immediately inside the entrance. From the lot, walk east toward the river to reach the main pond areas (5 to 10 minutes on foot).

By public transit, take SEPTA bus route 4 or 17 southbound on Broad Street and exit at the park entrance. The walk from the bus stop to the fishing areas is about 10 minutes. Service runs every 15 to 20 minutes during the day.

The park has no boat launch, but kayak and small boat access may be possible with advance permission from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. Contact the department directly if you plan to fish from a boat.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (April–May) is the most productive season. Striped bass are moving upriver to spawn, water is cool and clear, and the park is crowded with anglers. Expect 20 to 40 people on weekends, mostly targeting striped bass in the channels. Arrive early (before 7 a.m.) to secure a good spot. Fishing is best on the incoming tide in the early morning.

Summer (June–August) shifts focus to catfish and carp. Striped bass are gone, water is warm and murky, and the park is less crowded. Catfish bite reliably in the ponds and channels, especially at dawn and dusk. Carp are active in the shallow pond areas. Bring extra water and sunscreen — the park has no shade and sun exposure is intense.

Fall (September–October) brings striped bass back and is nearly as productive as spring. Water cools, visibility improves, and fish are aggressive. The park is busy again on weekends. Fishing is best in the channels during the incoming tide.

Winter is slow and not recommended unless you are specifically targeting catfish in the deeper channels. Most anglers avoid the park from November through March.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Pennsylvania fishing license to fish at FDR Park?

No. Pennsylvania does not require a license for rod-and-reel fishing in tidal Delaware River waters. However, you must follow state size and creel limits for each species. Striped bass have an 18-inch minimum and 2-fish daily limit; catfish have no size limit and a 50-fish daily limit; carp have no limit.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (one hour before sunrise to two hours after) and the incoming tide are most productive. Catfish also bite well at dusk. Tide timing matters more than time of day — fish the incoming tide regardless of whether it falls in morning or afternoon.

Can I wade or swim in the park?

Wading is not recommended. The bottom is soft mud with submerged debris, and the water quality is poor. Stay on shore and fish from the banks or designated paths. Swimming is not permitted.

Is there anywhere to buy food or water at the park?

No. The park has no vendors, restrooms, or water fountains. Bring everything you need — water, food, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A cooler is essential for a full day.

How far is FDR Park from downtown Philadelphia?

About 3 miles south of Center City. By car, it is a 10- to 15-minute drive from downtown via Broad Street. By public transit, take SEPTA bus route 4 or 17 southbound; the trip is about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and stops.