What the Hudson River Striped Bass Derby is and who can enter
The Hudson River Striped Bass Derby is an annual fishing tournament run by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) where anglers compete to catch the largest striped bass in the river. The derby typically runs for several months during the spring and fall seasons, with exact dates announced each year by the DEC. Any angler with a valid New York State fishing license can enter — there is no separate derby registration fee, and you do not need to be a resident of New York.
The tournament rewards the angler who catches the heaviest fish in each weight category. Winners are announced at the end of the derby period, and prizes vary by year but have included cash awards, fishing gear, and merchandise. The derby is designed to encourage people to fish the Hudson River and to monitor the health of the striped bass population through the data collected from reported catches.
Key Takeaways
- You need only a valid New York State fishing license to enter the Hudson River Striped Bass Derby — there is no separate entry fee or registration.
- The derby runs for several months during spring and fall, with specific dates posted by the DEC each year on their website.
- You report your catch to the DEC by submitting a photo and weight information through their designated reporting method, which changes year to year.
- Striped bass have a minimum size limit of 18 inches in the Hudson River, and you must follow all state fishing regulations even during the derby.
- The largest fish in each weight category wins a prize, and results are published after the derby closes.
How to enter and report your catch
To enter the derby, you fish the Hudson River during the announced tournament dates and report any striped bass you want to count toward the competition. The DEC publishes the exact reporting method each year — in recent years this has included submitting photos and weight information through an online form or by visiting a designated weigh-in location. Check the DEC website for the current year's instructions before you fish, because the process changes.
When you catch a fish you want to report, you will need to weigh it accurately. Many tackle shops along the Hudson will weigh your fish for free during derby season, or you can use a certified scale at home. Take a clear photo of the fish on the scale if you are reporting online, and have your fishing license number ready. The DEC uses the reported data to track striped bass populations, so accurate weights matter — they may ask follow-up questions about where and how you caught the fish.
Striped bass fishing seasons and size rules on the Hudson
Striped bass in the Hudson River are open to fishing during two main seasons: spring (typically March through May) and fall (typically September through November), though exact dates shift each year based on water temperature and fish movement. The minimum size limit is 18 inches, and there is a daily catch limit — check the current year's DEC fishing guide for the exact number, as it changes. You must follow these rules whether or not you are entering the derby.
The Hudson River striped bass population has recovered significantly over the past two decades, and the fishery is now robust enough to support both recreational and commercial harvest. Spring fishing tends to be strongest in the lower Hudson near the Tappan Zee Bridge and south, while fall fishing can be good throughout the river as fish move downstream. Water temperature, tide, and time of day all affect where and when you will find fish.
Where to fish for striped bass in the Hudson
Striped bass in the Hudson are found throughout the river, but the most productive areas for anglers are the lower Hudson from the Tappan Zee Bridge south to the Battery in New York City, and the mid-Hudson around Kingston and Newburgh. The fish hold near structure — rocky points, bridge pilings, current breaks, and deep channels — so focus your effort on these features rather than fishing open water.
Public access points include numerous boat launches and shore-fishing areas managed by New York State Parks and local municipalities. Pier fishing is popular in cities like Yonkers, Newburgh, and Kingston, and many anglers fish from boats. If you are new to the river, a local tackle shop can point you toward the best current spots and tell you what the fish are hitting that week.
Tackle and techniques that work for Hudson River striped bass
Striped bass respond to both live bait and artificial lures. Live bunker (menhaden), herring, and eels are the most effective baits, fished on the bottom or suspended near structure. For lures, large swimbaits (4 to 6 inches), topwater plugs, and soft plastics in natural colors all catch fish. Many anglers use medium-heavy spinning or conventional rods with 15- to 30-pound braided line, which gives you the sensitivity to feel bottom structure and the strength to land large fish.
Timing matters: striped bass feed most actively around tide changes and during low-light conditions (dawn, dusk, and night). Spring fishing often produces best on incoming tides, while fall fishing can be good throughout the tidal cycle. If you are fishing from shore, focus on deeper holes and channels where fish rest between feeding runs. If you are in a boat, you can cover more water and fish deeper structure that shore anglers cannot reach.
Preparing and cooking your striped bass catch
Striped bass is an excellent eating fish with firm, mild white meat that takes well to simple preparation. If you plan to keep your catch, kill it quickly and keep it on ice immediately — this preserves the quality of the meat and makes filleting easier. A fish that has been handled roughly or left in the sun will deteriorate fast, even if it is large enough to win the derby.
Fillet the fish by cutting behind the gills down to the backbone, then running your knife along the ribs from head to tail. Remove the skin by laying the fillet skin-side down and sliding your knife between the skin and flesh. Pan-sear fillets skin-side down in butter or oil over medium-high heat until the skin crisps and the flesh turns opaque — about 4 minutes per side for a 1-inch-thick fillet. Finish with lemon juice and salt. You can also bake whole smaller fish (under 3 pounds) at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or poach fillets gently in court-bouillon if you prefer a lighter dish.
Rules and regulations you need to follow
All anglers fishing the Hudson River must have a valid New York State fishing license, which you can purchase online through the DEC website or at most tackle shops. Licenses are available as one-day, seven-day, or annual permits. You must follow the current size and bag limits for striped bass, which are set by the DEC and published in the annual fishing guide. These rules apply to derby participants and non-participants alike.
The Hudson River has specific regulations about where you can fish and what methods are legal. Certain areas are closed to fishing during spawning season, and some sections have restrictions on the use of live bait. Check the DEC website or call their regional office before you fish to confirm that the area you plan to visit is open and that your intended method is legal. Violations can result in fines and loss of your fishing privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to enter the derby, or can I just fish the Hudson for striped bass?
You can fish the Hudson anytime during the open season without entering the derby. The derby is optional — it simply gives you a chance to compete for prizes if you catch a large fish. You need a fishing license either way.
What if I catch a fish that might be a derby winner but I am not sure how to report it?
Contact the DEC directly through their website or regional office — they will walk you through the reporting process and tell you exactly what photos and information they need. Do not delay; reporting deadlines are firm, and fish must be reported before the derby closes.
Can I fish for striped bass year-round in the Hudson?
No. Striped bass seasons in the Hudson are typically spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Exact dates change each year based on water conditions. Fishing outside these windows is illegal, even if you see fish in the river.
What is the difference between a striped bass and a largemouth bass?
Striped bass have horizontal stripes running the length of their body and a white belly, while largemouth bass have a dark horizontal stripe and a lighter belly. Striped bass are larger fish overall and live in saltwater and brackish rivers. They are also better eating than largemouth bass.
Do I need a boat to fish the Hudson River derby?
No. You can fish from shore at public access points, piers, and parks throughout the Hudson. Boat fishing gives you access to deeper water and more structure, but shore fishing is productive and costs nothing beyond your license.