What the Hudson River Striper Derby is and who can enter
The Hudson River Striper Derby is an annual fishing tournament run by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) that rewards anglers for catching striped bass in the Hudson River. The derby runs from June through November each year, and you can fish any day during that window. Entry is free — you do not pay a fee to participate.
Anyone with a valid New York State fishing license can enter. You do not need a separate tournament registration or membership. If you are a New York resident, you can purchase a one-day license, a seven-day license, or an annual license through the DEC website or at tackle shops. Non-residents follow the same process and pay a higher rate for licenses.
The derby tracks catches by weight. You report your fish to the DEC, and the heaviest striped bass caught during the season wins. Prize categories sometimes include youth anglers and women anglers, though the structure varies year to year — check the current year's rules on the DEC website before you fish.
Key Takeaways
- The Hudson River Striper Derby runs June through November each year, and entry is free with a valid New York State fishing license.
- You report your catch to the DEC by phone or online, and the heaviest striped bass wins the tournament.
- Striped bass in the Hudson are subject to size and bag limits that change year to year, so check current regulations before you fish.
- The best fishing typically happens in spring and fall when water temperatures favor stripers, though summer and early winter can also produce.
- Most successful anglers use live bait, eels, or large plugs and fish near structure like pilings, rocks, and drop-offs where stripers hold.
Current size and bag limits for Hudson River stripers
New York State sets minimum size and daily bag limits for striped bass in the Hudson River, and these rules change based on the health of the population. In recent years, the minimum size has been 18 inches, and the daily bag limit has been two fish per angler per day. These numbers shift, so before you fish, check the current regulations on the DEC website or call the DEC hotline to confirm what applies this season.
The size limit means you must release any striper under 18 inches. The bag limit means you can keep up to two fish per day. For the derby, you report only one fish — your largest catch — so you are competing on a single fish's weight, not a total. This means a 35-pound striper beats a 20-pound striper plus a 15-pound striper.
Catch-and-release fishing is legal and common on the Hudson. Many anglers fish the derby without keeping anything, measuring and photographing their catch before releasing it. If you choose to keep fish for the table, handle them carefully and keep them on ice immediately after landing.
Where stripers hold in the Hudson and how to find them
Striped bass in the Hudson River are structure hunters. They gather around pilings from old piers and bridges, rocky outcrops, submerged ledges, and the edges of deep channels where current brings food. The lower Hudson — from the Battery in Manhattan north to the Tappan Zee Bridge — holds stripers year-round, though populations shift with the seasons. In summer, fish move deeper and toward cooler water. In spring and fall, they spread across shallower flats and near the surface.
Successful anglers scout their water before fishing. Walk the banks at low tide to see where rocks and structure sit. Talk to other anglers at launch ramps and tackle shops — they know which spots are producing. If you fish from a boat, a basic fish finder helps you locate drop-offs and channels where stripers rest. If you fish from shore, focus on points of land, bridge pilings, and anywhere current funnels through a narrow space.
Current matters. Stripers face into the flow and wait for food to come to them. Fish the slack water just behind a piling or rock, or the seam where fast water meets slow water. Early morning and late evening are most productive, though stripers feed throughout the day if conditions are right.
Tackle and bait that work for Hudson River stripers
Live bait is the most reliable choice for large stripers. Live bunker (menhaden), live herring, and live eels all work well. Bunker and herring are oily and send out a strong scent trail that stripers follow. Eels are tougher and stay alive longer on the hook, making them good for long sessions. You can buy live bait at tackle shops near the Hudson or catch your own if you have the skill and time.
Artificial lures also catch stripers, especially large plugs that mimic baitfish. Pencil poppers, swimming plugs, and large shads in the 4- to 8-inch range work when fish are active and feeding near the surface. Jigging with soft plastics or metal jigs works in deeper water and around structure. Many anglers combine methods — they cast artificials to cover water quickly, then switch to live bait if they locate fish.
Rod and reel choice depends on your method. For live bait, a medium-heavy spinning rod or conventional reel with 15- to 30-pound test line handles most situations. For artificials, a medium rod works fine. Bring a net if you fish from shore; a gaff or net in a boat makes landing large fish safer and faster. A scale accurate to the pound matters if you plan to report a potential winning fish — weigh it on a certified scale at a tackle shop or marina to have proof.
Best seasons and water conditions for stripers
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are peak striper seasons on the Hudson. Water temperatures are in the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit, which is ideal for stripers. They feed aggressively during these windows because they are preparing for spawning in spring or fattening up before winter. Catches are most consistent and fish are often largest during these months.
Summer fishing is possible but harder. Water temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s, and stripers move deeper and slower. Early morning and late evening produce better than midday. Fish near deeper channels and cooler water. Winter (November through March) is closed for the derby, but some years the DEC opens a winter season — check the current rules.
Water clarity and flow affect feeding. Stripers hunt by sight and by sensing vibration and scent. Slightly murky water with some current moving is often better than crystal clear, calm water. After a rain, runoff can cloud the water and trigger feeding. High tides and low tides both work; the key is that water is moving and bringing food to where stripers wait.
How to report your catch to the DEC
When you land a striper you want to report for the derby, measure it from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail with the mouth closed. Write down the length and the date you caught it. Take a photograph showing the fish and a ruler or measuring device for proof. Weigh the fish on a certified scale — most tackle shops and marinas have them and will weigh your catch for free or a small fee.
Report your catch to the DEC through their online portal or by calling the DEC hotline. The phone number and website address are on the DEC's striper derby page. Have your fishing license number, the fish's weight and length, the date and location where you caught it, and your contact information ready. The DEC records all reports and tracks the season's largest fish.
Keep your receipt or confirmation number from the DEC. If your fish wins or places, the DEC will contact you to verify the catch and arrange any prize. Prize structure varies — some years there are cash awards, some years tackle or gear, some years recognition only. Check the current year's rules on the DEC website to see what prizes are offered.
Fishing regulations and safety on the Hudson
Wear a life jacket if you fish from a boat. The Hudson is a working river with commercial traffic, tugboats, and ferries. Currents can be strong, and water temperature is cold even in summer. A life jacket is not optional — it is the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
Know the tides. The Hudson is tidal all the way north to the Federal Dam at Troy. Tides swing the water level 4 to 5 feet, and current direction reverses with the tide. Plan your fishing around the tide cycle. Incoming tide pushes stripers into shallower water; outgoing tide pulls them toward deeper channels. Slack water — the brief window between tides — is often slow for fishing.
Check the DEC website for any special regulations or closures before you fish. Some areas of the Hudson have restrictions on where you can fish or what you can keep. The Hudson River Estuary Program and local environmental groups post updates on water quality and fish health. If you see dead fish or unusual conditions, report it to the DEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Hudson River Striper Derby?
No. You can fish from shore at many public access points along the Hudson, including parks, boat launches, and piers. Boat fishing covers more water and reaches deeper structure, but shore fishing is productive, especially near pilings and rocky points. Check local rules before fishing from private property.
What is the largest striper ever caught in the Hudson River?
The Hudson has produced stripers over 60 pounds, though exact records vary depending on the source. The DEC tracks derby winners, and their records show the largest fish caught each year. Check the DEC website for past winners and their weights to get a sense of what is possible.
Can I keep stripers I catch in the Hudson and eat them?
Yes, if they meet the size and bag limits. However, the DEC issues fish consumption advisories for the Hudson because of contamination in some areas. Check the current advisory before you keep fish. Some river sections are safer than others. When in doubt, call the DEC or check their website for the latest guidance on which areas are safe to harvest from.
What time of day do stripers bite best?
Early morning and late evening are most productive, especially in summer. Stripers feed throughout the day if conditions are right — current is moving, water is not too warm, and bait is present. Overcast days often fish better than bright sunny days. Tide change is a reliable trigger; fish the hour before and after tide change for best results.
How do I get a New York State fishing license?
Buy a license through the DEC website, at tackle shops, or at some sporting goods stores. Residents can buy a one-day, seven-day, or annual license. Non-residents pay more and have the same options. You need your license before you fish. Bring it with you — the DEC checks licenses, and fishing without one carries a fine.