Where can I fish in Central Park?
Central Park has three locations where you can enjoy fishing: the Harlem Meer, the Central Park Lake, and the Central Park Pond. The park only permits catch and release fishing. The only bait that is allowed in the pond are corn kernels as anything else can destroy the natural balance of the pond. You do not need to obtain a fishing license to fish in Central Park, since it is catch and release. Other NYC parks require a fishing license before attempting to fish in them. More information can be found at the following link:
http://www.centralpark.com/guide/sports/fishing.html