Looking for the perfect catch? Reel in some fun at a Philadelphia park. Come get hooked on fishing.

Five benefits of fishing

• Increases dexterity – baiting and reeling keeps your fingers, arms, and shoulders active.
• Boosts vitamin D – sunlight increases your vitamin D and helps your body fight against disease.
• Reduces stress – spending time in nature promotes relaxation.
• Gets you off your phone and computer – reduces eye strain and headaches.
• Provides opportunities to socialize with family and friends.

Where to go fishing in Philadelphia

• East Fairmount Park – 2839 West Glenwood Avenue, 19121
• West Fairmount Park – Parkside Avenue, 19131
• Wissahickon Valley Park – 120 W. Northwestern Avenue, 19118
• Bartram’s Garden Dock & Community Boathouse – 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, 19143
• Fish Hatchery at Pleasant Hill Park – 8900 Delaware Avenue, 19136
• Cobbs Creek Park – 250 S. 63rd Street, 19143
• Tacony boat launch – 7071 Milnor Street, 19135
• Penn Treaty Park – 1301 N. Beach Street, 19125
• Pier 68 – 1751 S. Columbus Boulevard, 19148 (Delaware River Water Front)
• Lardner’s Point Park – 5202 Levick Street, 19135
• Pennypack on the Delaware – 8201 State Road, 19136
• Gray’s Ferry Cresent – 3401R Grays Ferry Avenue, 19146
• Frankford boat launch – 5600 Tacony Street, 19135

Check out these free fishing programs at Philadelphia parks

Please note: events may be canceled or postponed due to bad weather. Be sure to check the links below to confirm date, time, and location.

Recurring events this summer:

Wednesdays Free Fishing

Wednesdays until July 31, 2024
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Bartram’s Garden Dock & Community Boathouse – 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, 19143.

Bartram’s Garden hosts weekly free catch-and-release fishing in the spring and summer. Come borrow a rod and tackle from the Welcome Center. Supplies are limited. No experience is necessary. No fishing license is required. See more details on their website.

Free Family Fishing

Wednesdays until August 7, 2024
4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
FDR Boathouse – Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, 19145.

Discovery Pathways offers free family fishing on Wednesday nights during the summer. Rods, tackle, bait, and basic instruction are provided. All ages are welcome. Learn more on their website.

Free Community Fishing Days

Saturdays in spring and summer
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fish Hatchery at Pleasant Hill Park – 8900 Delaware Avenue at Linden Avenue, 19136.

The Fish Hatchery hosts a free fishing program for kids under 16 years of age. Rods, bait, and basic instruction provided. Catch-and-release fishing. See more details.

Learn to Fish

June 20 and June 27, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Lardner’s Point Park – 5202 Levick Street, 19135.

Learn how to fish for free. Rods, tackle, bait and basic instruction will be provided. First come, first served. Rods are available to loan, and bait will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own rod. Organized by Riverfront North Partnership and the Mid Atlantic Youth Anglers & Outdoors Partners. All ages are welcome. Learn more.