Are There Goldfish in the Hudson River?
As the weather begins to turn and spring is in our reach, anglers across New York State are itching to get out and hit the water.
Popular Species Swimming In the Hudson River
Here in the Hudson Valley region, many head out on the Hudson River to catch and release common fish like striped bass, American shad, different types of catfish and even sturgeon!
Although sometimes those sturgeons get mixed up with The Hudson River Monster, aka Kipsey. Think Loch Ness Monster, but in the Hudson River.
I digress. But while we're on the topic of unusual creatures in the Hudson River...
Are There Goldfish Living in the Hudson River?
Earlier this week, a post from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries got the wheels spinning in my brain.
USFWS Fisheries shared this photo:
They go on to explain that the goldfish pictured above was found in a lake in Western New York and is what happens when goldfish are released into the wild. They add:
Dropping them in a lake might seem like a clean break, but when released into the wild they can grow HUGE, wreck the ecosystem, and outcompete native fish
Has someone released a goldfish into the Hudson River before? Turns out the answer is yes!
According to a Hudson River Estuary Survey back in 2019 , goldfish are an invasive species in the Hudson River.
They were introduced to the Hudson through the release of pets and also possibly escaping bait buckets. While we're used to that bright orange color of a goldfish, the Hudson River goldfish are usually an olive green, brown color.
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater shared this example back in September 2024:
Free Fishing Across New York State in 2025
Speaking of New York State fish...
Every year there are several days throughout the year that are dedicated to "getting offline" and "getting outside." In February 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced 6 free fishing days in NYS.
On these specific dates, fees are waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters saving those interested in fishing a few bucks.
The free fishing days in New York State for 2025 are as follows:
Presidents' Day Weekend: Feb. 15-16
June 28-29,
National Hunting & Fishing Day: Sept. 27
Veterans Day: Nov. 11
Here's to no goldfish being caught while fishing in NYS this year
New York State Free Fishing Days 2025
Gallery Credit: Canva
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