Jacob Riis Park Fishing Map (click to enlarge)

Jamaica Bay Unit Home Page | Jacob Riis Park Home Page

Saltwater fishing is allowed at Jacob Riis Park on Jamaica Bay and on the Atlantic Ocean beach whenever lifeguards are not on duty (they are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day between the hours of 10 AM and 6 PM). No special fishing license is required from the National Park Service to fish at Gateway National Recreation Area, but those 16 and older must enroll in the free New York Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, and all New York State fishing regulations apply. Shellfishing is not allowed due to health concerns stemming from contaminated shellfish in the park waters.

While no special fishing license is required from the National Park Service to fish at Gateway National Recreation Area, a fishing parking lot permit is required to park in certain lots that cater to fishermen. Such permits are valid throughout the entire Recreation Area, so you don’t need to buy one for each park unit or a specific location. However, these permits are not valid for all parking lots. For example, a fishing parking lot permit is not valid for parking in beach parking lots that require a permit, such as those at Sandy Hook and Jacob Riis Park Beach. In most cases, a sign at the entrance of a parking lot states what type of permit is required. Keep in mind that the permit is a parking permit, not a fishing permit. It is not required if you walk, bike, or get dropped off at a fishing location. The permit is good for both daytime and nighttime parking (where nighttime parking is allowed).

Parking lot signage at Gateway National Recreation Area states which type of parking permit is required

Permits are only available for purchase online at Recreation.gov (if this link does not work, go to Recreation.gov and search for Gateway NRA Fishing Access permits). They are typically only sold from March 1st through April 30th and for a few weeks in September (sale periods are subject to change). Regardless of when you purchase a permit, it is only valid until March 31st the following year. There is no pro-rated fee. Furthermore, there is a limited number of permits for sale.

While you purchase the permit online, you must take your receipt to a specified location within the park to redeem it for an actual parking sticker. Locations are given on Recreation.gov. You need one permit for each of your vehicles. They are not transferable.

In regards to fishing at Jacob Riis Park, there are only two places to park:

MAIN PARKING LOT

While you can park here to go fishing, you need a beach parking lot permit from Memorial Day through Labor Day between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM. No permit is needed during the day the rest of the year. I don’t believe anyone can park here at night, but if this is allowed, you’ll need a permit year-round (9 PM to 6 AM).

BAY 3 EAST PARKING LOT

This parking lot is on the east side of the Jacob Riis Bathing Pavilion. No parking is allowed from May 15th through September 15th between the hours of 6 AM and 8 PM for the purpose of fishing, regardless of permit. No permit is required to park here during the daytime the rest of the year. A permit is required for nighttime parking year-round, 8 PM to 6 AM.

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The National Park Service’s website is confusing when it comes to figuring out the convoluted fishing parking lot rules. If you fish regularly throughout Gateway National Recreation Area, my advice is to stop trying to figure out when and where you can and cannot park and just buy the fishing parking lot permit, that way you don’t have anything to worry about.

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