Glen Island Overview

Glen Island is a 105-acre public park in New Rochelle, just north of the Bronx, offering saltwater and brackish fishing from rocky shoreline and a small beach. The island sits in Long Island Sound where the East River widens, making it accessible by car via a causeway and drawing both locals and anglers from the city. You can fish from shore without a boat, and the mix of tidal flats, rocky points, and deeper channels holds striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and weakfish depending on season.

The park charges a day-use fee and has limited parking, so arriving early matters, especially on weekends. Facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, and a small beach, but no bait shop or tackle rental on-site. The fishing itself is straightforward—no special permits beyond a New York State fishing license—but tides and water conditions change the bite significantly, and knowing the layout saves time.

Key Takeaways

  • Glen Island charges a day-use parking fee and has limited spaces, so arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends to secure a spot near the fishing areas.
  • Striped bass and bluefish are the main target species in spring and fall; flounder and weakfish appear in summer and early fall.
  • Fish the rocky points and tidal channels on incoming tide for the best action; the flats on the north side hold flounder at slack tide.
  • You need only a New York State fishing license; no additional permits are required for saltwater fishing at Glen Island.
  • Bring your own tackle and bait because there is no bait shop at the park; live bunker and sand eels work well for striped bass.

When to Fish Glen Island

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons. Striped bass move through Long Island Sound during these windows, feeding heavily as they migrate between spawning grounds and wintering areas. Water temperatures in the 50s to low 60s trigger aggressive feeding, and you can catch fish from dawn through mid-morning on rocky points and drop-offs.

Summer (June through August) slows the striped bass bite but brings flounder to the shallow flats on the north side of the island, especially during slack tide when the water stills. Bluefish appear sporadically in July and August, often chasing baitfish near the causeway. Winter fishing is possible but inconsistent; water temperatures drop into the 40s, and fish move into deeper channels offshore.

Tide timing matters more than season. An incoming tide concentrates fish at rocky points and channel edges where current funnels baitfish. Slack tide—the brief window between tides—is when flounder feed on the flats. Check tide tables for New Rochelle before you go; a two-hour window around the turn of tide often produces more fish than a full day of slack water.

Species and What to Target

Striped bass are the primary draw, especially in spring and fall. Fish 18 to 28 inches are common; larger fish (30+ inches) are possible but less frequent from shore. They respond to live bunker, live eels, and large soft plastics (4 to 6 inches) worked along rocky points and the deeper channels on the east side of the island. Cast toward structure and work the bait or lure with the current.

Bluefish (3 to 8 pounds) show up in mid-summer and early fall, often in loose schools chasing baitfish. They hit fast-moving lures—metal spoons and topwater plugs—and are aggressive feeders. Expect short, explosive strikes. Bring a wire leader or heavy monofilament because their teeth will cut through light line.

Flounder (summer and early fall) hold on the sandy flats north of the main beach. Fish live sand eels or small shiners on a light jig head (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) during slack tide. Flounder are ambush feeders; cast and let the bait sit, then work it slowly along the bottom. A 16 to 20-inch flounder is a solid catch.

Weakfish (also called sea trout) appear in late summer and early fall in the shallower channels. They are smaller than striped bass (12 to 18 inches typical) but fight hard and are good eating. Small soft plastics and live shiners work well. Fish early morning for the best bite.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Glen Island is reached via a causeway from New Rochelle; take I-95 to Exit 15 (New Rochelle Avenue) and follow signs to Glen Island Park. The park entrance is at 1 Walnut Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Parking is limited to roughly 100 spaces, and the lot fills quickly on weekends and holidays. Day-use fees vary by season; call ahead or check the Westchester County Parks website for current rates.

The park is open dawn to dusk. Restrooms and picnic facilities are available, but there is no bait shop, tackle rental, or food service on-site. Bring everything you need: rod, reel, tackle, bait, and water. A small beach on the south side is open for swimming in summer, but fishing is allowed year-round from the rocky shoreline and designated areas.

Parking near the fishing spots is important. The rocky points on the east and north sides of the island are the most productive, but they require a short walk from the main lot. Arrive early to secure a space and scout the tide and conditions before committing to a spot.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For striped bass, a 7 to 8-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with 15 to 20-pound braid or monofilament is standard. Pair it with a 3000 to 4000-size reel that holds at least 150 yards of line. Live bunker (4 to 6 inches) is the top bait; if you cannot find bunker, live eels or shiners work. Soft plastics (4 to 6-inch shads) in natural colors (pearl, chartreuse, white) are effective when live bait is hard to source.

For bluefish, use the same rod setup but bring a wire leader or 40-pound monofilament shock leader because bluefish teeth will fray regular line. Metal spoons (1 to 2 ounces) and topwater plugs cast well and draw aggressive strikes. For flounder, drop down to a 6 to 7-foot medium rod with 10 to 12-pound line and a 1/4 to 1/2-ounce jig head tipped with live sand eels or shiners.

Bait shops in New Rochelle and nearby Pelham carry live bunker, eels, and shiners during peak season (spring and fall). Expect to pay $8 to $15 per dozen for shiners and $12 to $20 per dozen for eels. Bunker is often sold by the pound. Buy bait the morning of your trip if possible; live bait degrades quickly in warm weather. If you cannot find live bait, frozen bunker and squid are backup options, though they are less effective.

Regulations and Licensing

New York State requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. A one-day license costs less than $10 and can be purchased online at the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores. You do not need a separate saltwater license; the freshwater license covers all New York waters.

Size and possession limits apply to striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and weakfish. Striped bass have a 18-inch minimum and a one-fish daily limit in New York (as of 2024, though this changes annually). Bluefish have a 12-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Flounder (summer flounder) have a 19-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit. Weakfish have a 12-inch minimum and a 8-fish daily limit. Check the current DEC regulations before you fish because limits are adjusted each year based on stock assessments.

Glen Island Park itself has no special fishing restrictions beyond state law. You can fish from the rocky shoreline and designated areas year-round. No night fishing is allowed (the park closes at dusk), and no chumming or live bait casting into swimming areas during summer beach season.

What Makes Glen Island Different

Glen Island is one of the few saltwater fishing spots accessible by car within the New York City metro area without a boat. The rocky shoreline and tidal channels hold fish consistently, and the park's proximity to the East River's widening into Long Island Sound creates a natural funnel for migrating striped bass. Unlike many public fishing areas, Glen Island has facilities—restrooms, parking, picnic areas—that make it comfortable for a half-day or full-day outing.

The downside is crowds. On weekends and holidays, especially in spring and fall, the parking lot fills by mid-morning, and you may not find a spot. The fishing itself is not difficult—structure is obvious, and fish are predictable—but the limited parking means timing your arrival matters as much as timing the tide. If you can fish on a weekday or arrive before 9 a.m., you will have a much better experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Glen Island?

No. The entire island is fishable from shore. Rocky points on the east and north sides hold striped bass and bluefish. The sandy flats on the north side hold flounder. You do not need a boat, though one would let you reach deeper channels offshore where larger striped bass hold in summer.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) is most productive, especially in spring and fall when striped bass are active. Summer flounder bite best during slack tide regardless of time of day. Avoid midday when sun is high and water is warmest; fish move into deeper channels and bite slows.

Can I keep fish I catch?

Yes, as long as they meet size and possession limits. Striped bass (18-inch minimum, one-fish daily limit), bluefish (12-inch minimum, 10-fish daily limit), flounder (19-inch minimum, 5-fish daily limit), and weakfish (12-inch minimum, 8-fish daily limit) are all legal to keep. Check current DEC regulations before you fish because limits change annually.

Is there a bait shop at Glen Island?

No. Bring your own tackle and bait, or buy bait from shops in New Rochelle or Pelham before you arrive. Live bunker, eels, and shiners are available during peak season (spring and fall) but sell out quickly on weekends.

What should I do if the parking lot is full?

Leave and return another day or try a weekday. Glen Island has limited parking and no overflow lot. Arriving before 9 a.m. on weekends or fishing on a weekday morning is the most reliable way to secure a spot.