For those venturing out to the Hudson River around New York City today, January 4, 2025, here’s what you can expect:

### Tidal Report
The tidal schedule for today shows a high tide at 4:23 AM with a height of 4.46 feet, followed by a low tide at 10:40 AM with a height of -0.41 feet. The next high tide will be at 4:23 PM with a similar height, and the final low tide of the day will be at 11:25 PM with a height of -0.41 feet[1][2].

### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset
While the winter chill is still present, the weather is relatively calm, making it a good day for fishing. Sunrise is around 7:20 AM, and sunset is expected at 4:30 PM.

### Fish Activity
Despite the cold, the Hudson River is offering some promising fishing conditions. Striped Bass, although not as abundant as in the spring, can still be found in smaller numbers, particularly in areas like the Federal and Troy Dams where the river is wider and deeper. Bluefish are less common this time of year but can still be targeted in spots like Croton Point[1][3].

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw some decent catches of Striped Bass, with a few anglers reporting catches in the lower to mid-teens in terms of pounds. Catfish were also active, especially in the Wallkill River and Rondout Creek tributaries. The Catfish were mostly caught during early morning and late evening when they move to shallower waters to feed[1][3].

### Best Lures and Bait
For Striped Bass, using lures like spoons, plugs, and jigs can be effective. Live or cut bait such as herring, shad, or eels are also good options. For Bluefish, metal jigs and spoons work well. For Catfish, nightcrawlers, chicken livers, and stink baits are highly recommended[1][3].

### Hot Spots
- **Croton Point**: This is one of the best spots to fish for Bluefish and Striped Bass, especially during their migration periods.
- **Wallkill River and Rondout Creek**: These tributaries are highly recommended for Catfish, particularly during early morning or late evening when they move to shallower waters to feed.
- **Federal and Troy Dams**: These areas are perfect for going after Stripers, with trolling and bottom fishing being the go-to methods[1][3].

Overall, the Hudson River offers a diverse fishing experience even in the winter months. Be sure to check the local fishing regulations and respect the open and closed seasons for different species. Happy fishing