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.  

Purchase and pick up your permit from the primary location (Sandy Hook Unit, Staten Island Unit, Jamaica Bay Unit) where you plan to fish. For instance, if you purchase the Staten Island Fishing permit, you must pick-up the permit from the Ranger Station, Miller Field, Staten Island. Review the parking locations where the pass is required in the Need to Know section described below. 

The Fishing Access Permit is sold Online only. 

The Spring Online sale period is from March 1, 2024 through April 30, 2024.

The Fall Online sale period starts Thursday September 19, 2024. Limited quantity available.

The Fishing Access Permit is valid from time of purchase through 3/31/25.

In order to receive your Fishing Access Vehicle Decal, bring a printed copy of your Recreation.gov purchase to the Pick-up locations, dates, and times listed in the Need to Know Section. Pick-up locations may have limited internet connection and we ask that you bring a printed copy or take a photo of the QR code with your phone.

The Fishing Access Vehicle Decal must be affixed to the BUMPER on 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.
Replacements of Fishing Access Vehicle Decals are made on a case by case basis and require proof of original pass purchase and proof of vehicle sale or vehicle accident.

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, and are void if altered or reproduced. 
• The Fishing Access Permit purchase is non-refundable.
• Replacements of Fishing Access Vehicle Decals are made on a case by case basis and require proof of original pass purchase and documentation of vehicle sale or vehicle accident.
• 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. Purchase and pick up your permit from the primary location (Sandy Hook Unit, Staten Island Unit, Jamaica Bay Unit) where you plan to fish. For instance, if you purchase the Staten Island Fishing permit, you must pick-up the permit from the Ranger Station, Miller Field, Staten Island. 
• The Fishing Access Permit is sold Online only. 
• The Spring Online sale period is from March 1, 2024 through April 30, 2024.
• The Fall Online sale period starts Thursday September 19, 2024. Limited quantity available.
• Purchase one permit per vehicle only.
• The Fishing Access Permit purchase is non-refundable.
• Replacements of Fishing Access Vehicle Decals are made on a case by case basis and require proof of original pass purchase and proof of vehicle sale or vehicle accident.
• 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 long is the Fishing Access Permit valid?

• The Fishing Access Permit is valid from time of purchase through 3/31/25.

How do I receive the Fishing Access Vehicle Decal?

• 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. There may be limited internet access at the pick-up locations, so please bring a printed copy of the QR code or take a picture of the QR code on your phone.  
• A Fishing Access Vehicle Decal will be provided and must be affixed to the BUMPER of the vehicle associated with the Fishing Access Permit that was purchased.  

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

Starting Saturday, September 21

Saturdays and Sundays ONLY

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

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

Starting Saturday, September 21 

Saturdays ONLY

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Vehicle Decal Pickup - Sandy Hook Unit, Light House Visitor Center:

Starting Saturday, September 21

Saturdays and Sundays ONLY

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

• 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, the decal MUST be affixed to the front bumper. Failure to do so may result in a ticket.
• If you primarily fish in the Staten Island Unit or Jamaica Bay Unit, the decal MUST be affixed to the rear bumper. Failure to do so may result in a ticket.

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