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April 2017 30 Find Us On Facebook at Boating On The Hudson
Norrie Point Marina, located within Mills-Norrie State Park
in the Town of Hyde Park, will open early for striped bass fishing,
subject to weather conditions. While the official operating season
for the marina is May 1 to Oct. 31, marina staff will attempt to open
the marina by the middle of April to coincide with the beginning
of striper season. Boaters are encouraged to call the marina at 845-
889-4200 to confirm the operating schedule in April.
Each spring, adult striped bass make their way from coastal waters
up to the fresh tidal waters of the Hudson River to spawn. Most of
the spawning occurs in the area between West Point and Kingston,
with the area near Norrie Point being a hot spot for striper fishing.
Marina staff members have observed that most fishermen leaving
from Norrie are fishing for stripers on the west side of the Hudson, in
the area between the marina and the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse.
For boaters who don’t catch a record fish, they’ll still have a chance
to enjoy the river along one of its most tranquil and scenic stretches.
For the most current striper fishing regulations or to obtain a
fishing license, please visit the website for the NYS Department of
Environmental Conservation, There is a daily catch
limit of one striped bass that meets the minimum total length. The
use of circle hooks is encouraged in order to decrease the mortality
rate of fish that are being released back into the river.
Boat launch fees at Norrie Point Marina are $7. Seniors aged 62
and over are free on non-holiday weekdays. Empire Passes, which
cover unlimited boat launches and vehicle entry fees at State Parks
and DEC facilities, are available for purchase at .
The traditional Empire Pass vehicle decals are available for $65.
Newly-launched Empire Pass cards, which can be used by all family
members in any vehicle, are available for $80.
For those wishing to dock their boat at Norrie Point during striper
season, the cost is $101 per week. Slips for the May through October
season are available starting at $800.
Norrie Point Marina, nestled within Mills-Norrie State Park, is
located in Staatsburg, N.Y., a short drive from the downtown areas
of Hyde Park and Rhinebeck. Norrie Point is home to the marina,
an environmental center operated by the DEC, as well as Atlantic
Kayak Tours, a concessionaire offering guided outings on the river.
Mills-Norrie State Park also contains tent camp sites, cabins, miles of
hiking trails, the 18-hole Dinsmore Golf Course and the Mills family’s
mansion at Staatsburgh State Historic Site.
From the Publisher:
Norrie Point Marina is on the east shore,
approximately 8miles south of Kingston. It is located
in Dutchess County.
This Dutchess County Tourism Hudson River location is
outstanding. The striper fishing is par excellence, the staff
at the marina are exceptional and the launch ramp fee
very reasonable. You will not burn a tank of fuel all season
striper fishing from this location. The “bass” are right out
in front and opposite the marina at Black Creek or to the
north at the Esopus Lighthouse.
Norrie Point Marina is one of the most under utilized
locations on the Hudson River. I fondly remember Striper
fishing from here.
On one excursion we ran out of “blood worms” the iconic
striper bait of all time. Pulling up to Black Creek I sawa lady
in a 13’ Boston Whaler, fishing. I said, “excuse me could we
buy a few of your blood worms please we are all out?” She
said, “Here I’ll give you one!” I took the worm threaded it on
the hook, tossed it over the side and wham a 12 lb. striper
grabbed it. The lady, furious at our instant luck threw the
rest of her bloodworms in the water, pulled up her anchor
and took off up river. We, roaring with laughter thought it
was the funniest thing that happened to us in a long time.
The striper fishing in this area is drifting bloodworms at
the level that the fish are at on your “screen”, or trollingwith
down riggers.
Being here in mid-April is truly a wonderful experience
and one thing on your “Dutchess Tourism Bucket List” not
to be missed.
If you wish more personal information regarding Norrie
State Park give me a call at 845-401-2699.
John H. Vargo, Publisher
Norrie Point Marina
Opening for Striper Fishing
A Bucket List Destination