Baisley Pond

Baisley Pond in Baisley Pond Park, Jamaica, Queens may not be known for its great largemouth bass fishing, but our fish survey information suggests it should be. Patches of lily pads offer excellent cover for both predators and prey and add to the verdant landscape of the park although submerged vegetation can be dense. This lake has the potential to offer anglers an exciting fishing experience while providing a peaceful day out.

Physical Features:

Elevation: 10 feet
Area: 28 acres
Shoreline Length: 1.24 miles
Town: Queens

Access:

Shoreline access to Baisley Pond is available from many locations, some are grassed areas but the shoreline also includes a concrete promenade from which a line may be cast. To take mass transit to Baisley take the E, J or Z train to Sutphin Blvd/Archer Ave and transfer to the Q6 bus to Sutphin Blvd/Rockaway Blvd. Alternatively, take the A train to Rockaway Blvd and transfer to the Q7 bus to Sutphin Blvd/Rockaway Blvd. The lake is north of the bus stop.

Fish Species:

Largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, common carp and American eel.

Fishing:

Largemouth Bass

Several fisheries surveys have been conducted on Baisley Pond with the last two in 2018 and 2021. Largemouth bass over 17 inches were caught in both surveys, with one over 21 inches collected in 2021. For a challenge and a potentially large bass, cast a scum frog into the lily pads. Let it sit until the ripples have gone, then slowly twitch it towards shore. Watch for the strike - with patience and persistence it will happen.

Panfish

Bluegills tend to average between 4 and 6 inches, with the largest nearing seven inches according to 2021 fishery survey data. Pumpkinseed sunfish are also present, but in smaller numbers. There are a few black crappies in the lake. Targeting them in the spring should produce the best results. If you fish the bottom, you might catch a few bullheads up to 12 inches.

Carp

There are a few carp in the lake. Common carp are New York City's largest freshwater fish.

Regulations:

Special regulations apply. See Special Fishing Regulations for NYC.

New York City Department of Parks and Recreation rules require the use of non-lead weights and barbless hooks.

Fishery Highlights and Reports

A boat electrofishing survey of Baisley Pond was executed in October, 2021. Fish species captured and observed were largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill sunfish, brown bullhead catfish, American eel, and common carp. Survey information shows bluegill to be the most prevalent but the opportunities exist to catch largemouth bass and black crappie. Full findings can be found in the Baisley Pond Technical Brief (PDF).