Satellite view of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge fishing parking lot

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Jamaica Bay Unit Home Page | Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Home Page

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At the very northern end of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Gateway National Recreation Area are two parking lots at the south abutment of the Addabbo Memorial Bridge (aka North Channel Bridge) known as the North Channel Bridge parking area. The east side parking lot is used for those launching hand-paddled watercraft, but you can park on either side for the purpose of fishing. You can fish from the shore or from the bridge, though the bridge is not part of Gateway National Recreation Area. There is a pedestrian and a bike lane on the bridge, plus designated fishing areas that keep the fisherman separate from the hikers and bikers.

Fishing from the Addabbo Memorial Bridge in Jamaica Bay

Shore fishing in Jamaica Bay at the Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Gateway National Recreation Area

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the few locations within the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area where you do not need a parking permit to fish. In fact, no special fishing permit or license is required from the National Park Service, but those 16 and older must enroll in the free New York Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, and all New York State fishing regulations apply.

The parking lots are open year-round from 6 AM until 9 PM. A fishing parking lot permit is not valid for nighttime fishing at the North Channel Bridge parking area, so 9 PM is the closing time for all fishermen.

People also park here just to swim in the bay or relax on the shore. At the west side parking lot is a covered pavilion, though there are no picnic tables or grills.

Pavilion at the west side parking lot of the North Channel Bridge Parking Area at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Jamaica Bay Unit

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