Atlantic Mackerel
Atlantic Mackerel in New York waters are streamlined, fast-moving pelagic fish that are highly migratory schooling fish. New York represents a key part of their range.
They are voracious opportunistic predators that must swim constantly to breathe as they lack swim bladders.
Scientific Name: Scomber scombrus
Steel-blue backs marked by distinctive wavy black bars and silvery-white undersides. These fish typically reach 12-24 inches and up to 7 pounds, though most caught are smaller.
Fishing in New York
Delaware River
East Branch Delaware River
Susquehanna River
Beaver Kill
Lackawanna River
Chenango River
Rondout Creek
Lehigh River
Tobyhanna Creek
West Branch Delaware River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
They're distributed from Labrador to North Carolina in the western Atlantic. In New York, they inhabit cold and temperate waters over the continental shelf, swimming in large schools near the surface and traveling between spawning and feeding grounds. They show strong seasonal movements.Key Locations
Key New York fishing areas include waters off Long Island, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Beach, Coney Island, Sheepshead Bay, and the Hudson River estuary. Prime locations include party boats from Sheepshead Bay, Freeport, Captree State Park, and Montauk, with shore fishing possible from piers and jetties around New York Harbor, Long Island Sound, and the south shore bays.Specific Spots
They follow tidal movements in the Hudson River estuary.Atlantic Mackerel FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Mackerel in New York?
Top lure choices include flashy metal jigs, diamond jigs, small spoons like Kastmasters, brightly colored spinners, and small Rapala-style plugs in silver, gold, white, red and white, or plain yellow patterns.
What flies work for Atlantic Mackerel in New York?
For fly fishing, use small streamers like Grey Ghost, Red and White, Barnes Special, Mickey Finn, small woolly buggers with yellow/red/black bodies and grizzly hackle, scud patterns in olive or pink, and marabou flesh flies.
When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Mackerel in New York?
Atlantic Mackerel fishing in New York is best from late spring through fall, with peak activity from May through October. Prime fishing times are March and November during their migrations, plus brief periods when schools move through NYC waters.
How do you catch Atlantic Mackerel in New York?
Cast far and retrieve fast - mackerel are aggressive and will often hit on the first or second cast when schools are located. Christmas tree rigs with multiple small hooks are extremely effective for catching several fish at once.
What do Atlantic Mackerel eat?
They feed heavily on copepods, krill, shrimp, small fish like sandeels and silversides, squid, and other pelagic organisms. Adults consume a wider range and larger prey than juveniles.
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