Gateway Nra-Fishing Access Permit Pass

Gateway National Recreation Area

Fishing at Gateway National Recreational Area is a popular activity. The Fishing Access Permit provides after-hours and parking access for Fishing at designated locations in the Jamaica Bay Unit, Sandy Hook Unit, and Staten Island Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area.  

Select the primary location (Sandy Hook Unit, Staten Island Unit, Jamaica Bay Unit) where you plan to fish and review the parking locations where the pass is required in the Need to Know section described below.

The Fishing Access Permit is valid from time of purchase through 2/28/23.

The Fishing Access Permit is sold Online only. The Fall Online sale period is from Friday, 9/23/22 through Friday, 10/7/22. The Fishing Access Permit purchase is non-refundable.

In order to receive your Fishing Access Vehicle Decal, bring a printed copy or digital version of your Recreation.gov purchase to the locations, dates, and times listed in the Need to Know Section.

The Fishing Access Vehicle Decal must be affixed to the vehicle associated with the Fishing Access Permit that was purchased. 

The Fishing Access Permit does not guarantee parking availability. For your safety, please remember that parking outside of designated areas is prohibited and visitors who park illegally may be fined and towed.

You must be actively fishing while using the Fishing Access Permit. The permits are not Beach Parking passes or for other recreational uses.  

Fishing Access Vehicle Decals are non-transferrable, not replaceable for any reason, and are void if altered or reproduced.

What is the Fishing Access Permit?

• The Fishing Access Permit provides after-hours and parking access for Fishing at designated locations in the Jamaica Bay Unit, Sandy Hook Unit, and Staten Island Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area.
• Fishing Access Permits are not beach parking passes and are not valid for beach lot parking during fee collection hours and/or when Lifeguards are on duty.  
• Fishing Access Permits and Vehicle Decals are non-transferrable, not replaceable for any reason, and are void if altered or reproduced.
• The Fishing Access Permit does not guarantee parking availability. For your safety, please remember that parking outside of designated areas is prohibited and visitors who park illegally may be fined and towed.
• You must be actively fishing at all times when using the Fishing Access Permit.

How do I purchase the Fishing Access Permit?

• Select the primary location (Sandy Hook Unit, Staten Island Unit, Jamaica Bay Unit) where you plan to fish and review the times and parking locations where the pass is required. 
• The Fishing Access Permit is sold Online only. 
• The Online sale period is from Friday, 9/23/22 through Friday, 10/7/22. 
• Purchase one permit per vehicle only.
• The Fishing Access Permit purchase is non-refundable.

How long is the Fishing Access Permit valid?

• The Fishing Access Permit is valid from time of purchase through 2/28/23.

How do I receive the Fishing Access Vehicle Decal?

• A Fishing Access Vehicle Decal will be provided and must be affixed to the vehicle associated with the Fishing Access Permit that was purchased. 
• In order to receive a valid Fishing Access Vehicle Decal, you must bring confirmation of your Fishing Access Permit purchase to the locations listed below within the designated time periods. Either a digital or printed version of the permit may be presented to receive the Fishing Access Vehicle Decal.  

Vehicle Decal Pickup - Jamaica Bay Unit, Ryan Visitor Center, Floyd Bennett Field:  

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, September 25

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 1

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, October 2

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 8

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, October 9 

Vehicle Decal Pickup - Staten Island Unit, Ranger Station, Miller Field:

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, September 25

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 1

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, October 2

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 8

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, October 9 

Vehicle Decal Pickup - Sandy Hook Unit, Lighthouse:

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, September 25

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, September 26

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, September 30

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 1

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 2

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, October 3

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, October 7

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 8

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 9

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, October 10

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, October 14

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 15

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 16

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, October 17

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, October 21

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 22

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 23

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, October 24

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, October 28

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 29

Contact: 732-872-5970 

• Vehicle Decal pick-up schedules will also be posted at https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/fishing.htm 
• If you primarily fish in the Sandy Hook Unit, affix the decal to the front bumper. 
• If you primarily fish in the Staten Island Unit or Jamaica Bay Unit, affix the decal to the rear bumper.

Where and when is the Fishing Access Permit required?

Sandy Hook Unit Fishing Access Permit - Locations for Parking and After-hours Access:

Required 8pm to 6am, Year-round:

Parking lots: B, C, D, E, F, G, I, J, K, M, and Bayside lots B, C, and L, and Guardian Park lot

Staten Island Unit Fishing Access Permit - Locations for Parking and After-hours Access:

Required all times:

• Crooke's Point; Harbor Rd, Great Kills Park

Required 9pm to 6am, Year-round:

• Hangar 38 gravel parking lot, Miller Field
• Hudson Rd and N. Carolina Rd, Fort Wadsworth
• Beach Center Parking lot, Great Kills Park

Jamaica Bay Unit Fishing Access Permit - Locations for Parking and After-hours Access:

Required all times:

• 222nd Street Fishing Parking Lot, Breezy Point
• 193rd Street Fishing Parking Lot, Fort Tilden
• Rockaway Point Yacht Club Road
• Riis Landing Parking Lot, Fort Tilden
• Aviation Road Parking Lot, Floyd Bennett Field

Required 9pm to 6am, Year-round:

• Raptor Point; Hangar B Apron, Floyd Bennett Field
• Bay 3 East Parking lot, Jacob Riis Park (May 15-Sept 15: No Fishing Access parking 6am-9pm)

Required 9pm to 6am, Year-round and No Parking 6am-9pm 3/15-9/15:

• 169th and Davis Rd parking area, Fort Tilden
• Required 9pm to 6am, 9/16-3/14:
• Shore Rd East, Fort Tilden (closed to all vehicular access from 3/15-9/15)

What do I need to know about fishing in Gateway NRA?

• Fishing Access Permit holders are required to adhere to NYSDEC/NJSDEC Marine Recreation Fishing Laws and Regulations. 
• Anyone fishing within Gateway National Recreation Area must be in accordance with the regulations found in 36CFR 2.3, which adopts non-conflicting State of NY/NJ fishing regulations as part of these regulations. US Park Police, DEC Officers, United States Park Ranger-Law Enforcement, and NJ DEP Officers enforce fishing regulations within the park, which include size and take limitations on all regulated and protected species.
• Only Saltwater fishing is allowed within Gateway National Recreation Area. Fishing is prohibited in non-tidal waters to include all fresh waters in the park. Fishing is prohibited within 150 feet of posted shorebird nesting areas. The collection of shellfish within all park waters is prohibited.
• The following locations are closed to fishing and access: 
• Jamaica Bay Unit: Dead Horse Bay- Floyd Bennett Field, Ranger Road- Floyd Bennett Field, Areas east of Marine Corps Reserve Center. Sandy Hook Unit: NJ Spermaceti Cove and The Holly Forest shoreline.
• Fishing and access is prohibited in all Interior fresh water ponds, such as Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East and West fresh water Pond.
• Entering areas that are not under ownership of the NPS for any purpose, including fishing, is prohibited.

AREAS CLOSED FOR FISHING: Dead Horse Bay- Floyd Bennett Field, Ranger Road- Floyd Bennett Field, Areas east of Marine Corps Reserve Center. At Sandy Hook, NJ Spermaceti Cove, and The Holly Forest shoreline. All Interior fresh water ponds, such as Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East and West fresh water Pond.

Questions about the Fishing Access Permit?

Gateway National Recreation Area Public Affairs: 718-815-3650  

Sandy Hook Unit: 732-872-5970 

Staten Island Unit: 718-351-6970

Jamaica Bay Unit: 718-758-3675