HUDSON RIVER GUIDE

Hudson River Guide

Estuary access, valley history, fishing context and live gauges along New York’s tidal river.

River story
History, landscapes and river context
Fishing
Species, water and places to explore
Live data
Current USGS gauges along the river
LIVE HUDSON RIVER DATA

Hudson River levels, gauges and monitoring stations

Check the live river overview or open an individual USGS gauge for current streamflow, gauge height, trends and historical context.

EXPLORE THE RIVER

Follow the Hudson River

Trace reviewed Hudson mainstem geometry through eastern New York to its tidal lower reach.

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River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge from Anthony's Nose in the Hudson Highlands. Photo: Juliancolton.
THE HUDSON STORY

A tidal corridor through New York history

The Hudson is both river and estuary. Its corridor connects Indigenous homelands, colonial-era travel, the Erie Canal era, industrial waterfronts and a modern estuary restoration program.

Before European settlement
Mahican homeland
Mahican communities lived along and traveled the river corridor for generations.
1825
Canal connections expand
Completion of the Erie Canal connected the Hudson with Great Lakes trade and accelerated waterfront growth.
20th century
A conservation movement grows
Public campaigns over river pollution and landscapes helped shape modern environmental advocacy.
Today
An estuary under study
New York’s estuary program maps access, studies habitats and supports river stewardship.
Research context: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, National Park Service
FISHING

Fishing the river

Fresh and tidal reaches support different fish communities. New York rules distinguish species, seasons and marine or freshwater requirements.

Fish you may encounter

Striped bass
American shad
Atlantic sturgeon
Smallmouth bass
Channel catfish

Where the river changes

FISHING AREA
Hudson River fishing ↗
Regulations and fishery context from the state agency.
Before you fish
  • Rules, seasons, closures and consumption advice vary by jurisdiction and can change; consult the linked fish and wildlife agency before a trip.
  • A gauge reading describes conditions at that monitoring location; it does not establish fishing quality or safety elsewhere on the river.
PARKS & ACCESS

Places to reach the river

Hudson River Estuary access map ↗
State-maintained directory and map for public access planning.
Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve ↗
Official habitats, research and education information.
Hudson River Guide | Levels, Fishing, Boating & Access