Northern Snakehead
Northern Snakehead is an invasive freshwater predator native to Asia that has established populations in New York City waters.
Scientific Name: Channa argus
These elongated fish have snake-like heads with enlarged scales, long dorsal and anal fins, and can reach up to 3 feet in length. They're distinguished from native bowfin by their pelvic fins positioned directly behind pectoral fins and their longer anal fin.
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
These shallow urban waters (typically under 4 feet deep) feature muddy bottoms, aquatic vegetation like pondweed, and are connected to brackish Flushing Bay.Key Locations
In New York, they're primarily found in Queens at Meadow Lake and Willow Lake within Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the Flushing Airport wetlands in College Point, and isolated reports from Harlem Meer in Manhattan. A population in Orange County's Wawayanda area was successfully eradicated in 2008.Specific Spots
Target shoreline areas in the established waters. Focus on areas with muddy bottoms, aquatic vegetation, and depths under 4 feet. Fish move upstream into shallow creek arms and tidal areas during pre-spawn periods.Northern Snakehead FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Northern Snakehead in New York?
Top lure choice is the Zoom Super Fluke rigged Texas-style and weedless, effective throughout spring and summer. In early spring with minimal vegetation, quarter-ounce inline spinners in white, chartreuse, or black effectively target smaller, more active fish in higher water columns.
When is the best time to fish for Northern Snakehead in New York?
Spring offers the best Northern Snakehead fishing, particularly during pre-spawn periods. Peak feeding activity occurs during pre-spawn periods when water temperatures reach 57°F. Adults spawn multiple times per year during summer months (June-August).
How do you catch Northern Snakehead in New York?
Top lure choice is the Zoom Super Fluke rigged Texas-style and weedless. Use strong hooksets due to their bony mouths, and be prepared for violent head-shaking and leaping.
What do Northern Snakehead eat?
Northern Snakeheads are aggressive predators feeding primarily on sunfish species (Lepomis spp.), white perch, gizzard shad, inland silverside, and grass shrimp in the lake systems, while those in airport wetlands consume mainly insects including dragonflies and water beetles.
Where do Northern Snakehead live in New York?
These shallow urban waters (typically under 4 feet deep) feature muddy bottoms, aquatic vegetation like pondweed, and are connected to brackish Flushing Bay.
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