What First Creek offers and when to fish it

First Creek is a narrow, protected tidal inlet that feeds into Sodus Bay near the village of Sodus Point on Lake Ontario's south shore. The creek runs shallow and brackish—fresh water from inland drains mix with bay water—which creates ideal conditions for largemouth bass, yellow perch, and occasional walleye. Because the creek is sheltered from Lake Ontario's open-water chop, it fishes well when the big lake is too rough for boat anglers, and it holds fish year-round.

Spring (April through May) brings spawning largemouths into the shallows and creek arms; summer (June through August) concentrates fish in deeper holes and along the channel edges as water warms; fall (September through October) produces aggressive feeding as bass and perch prepare for winter; winter (November through March) slows the bite but rewards patience with consistent perch action in the deeper pools.

Key Takeaways

  • First Creek is a shallow, brackish tidal inlet best fished from shore or a small boat with a shallow draft, since much of the creek runs 2 to 4 feet deep.
  • Largemouth bass dominate spring and fall; yellow perch bite steadily year-round, especially in winter when the creek's deeper holes concentrate them.
  • Access is limited to the public boat launch at Sodus Point Marina and informal shore access along the creek's eastern bank near the inlet mouth.
  • Tidal movement matters—fish the incoming tide when water pushes into the creek, which concentrates baitfish and triggers feeding.
  • Soft plastics, small crankbaits, and live shiners work best; avoid heavy lures that snag the creek's muddy bottom and submerged wood.

Access and launch options

Sodus Point Marina operates a public boat launch on the bay side of the point, roughly a mile from First Creek's inlet. The launch has a paved ramp, parking for trailers, and a small fee (typically $10 to $15 per day, though rates vary seasonally). From the launch, you motor northwest across Sodus Bay for about five minutes to reach the creek mouth. The marina is open year-round, though winter hours are reduced and the ramp may ice over during hard freezes.

Shore access is informal but workable. Park along County Road 101 on the eastern bank near the creek's inlet, where a narrow shoulder allows a few vehicles. Walk down to the water's edge—the bank is low and muddy, so wear boots. This spot puts you within casting distance of the channel, and it's the fastest way to fish if you don't have a boat. The western bank is private property; stay off it.

Seasonal patterns and target depths

Spring largemouths move into the creek's shallow arms and backwater pockets to spawn. Fish depths of 1 to 3 feet along the banks, especially where fallen trees or cattails provide cover. Early morning and late evening produce the most strikes. By late May, spawning ends and fish move to slightly deeper water (3 to 5 feet) along the main channel edges.

Summer heat pushes bass and perch into the creek's deepest holes, which reach 6 to 8 feet near the inlet mouth and along a bend roughly halfway up the creek. Fish these spots during midday when shallow water warms too much. Early morning and dusk, fish the shallows again as bass move in to feed. Yellow perch scatter throughout the creek but concentrate in the deeper holes during the hottest weeks.

Fall is the most consistent season. Largemouths feed aggressively in preparation for winter and roam the entire creek, from the shallows to the channel. Fish all depths and all daylight hours; the bite rarely shuts down completely. Perch also feed heavily and are easier to locate than in summer.

Winter perch fishing is steady if you know where to look. The deepest hole near the inlet mouth holds the densest concentration. Fish live shiners or small jigged minnows in 6 to 8 feet of water. Largemouths are present but sluggish; focus on perch unless you're willing to work slowly with soft plastics in the deeper pools.

Lures, baits, and tackle that work

Soft plastics—4-inch worms, 3-inch shads, and creature baits in natural colors (green pumpkin, watermelon, black)—are the most reliable choice for largemouths. Rig them on a 1/8-ounce jig head and work them slowly along the bottom and around cover. The creek's muddy substrate and wood snags demand a light touch; heavy lures hang up constantly.

Small crankbaits (1.5 to 2.5 inches) in shad patterns work well in spring and fall when bass are aggressive. Cast them parallel to the banks and retrieve steadily. Avoid diving deep; the creek is too shallow for deep-diving plugs, and they snag the bottom immediately.

Live shiners (3 to 4 inches) are deadly for both largemouths and perch, especially in spring and winter. Fish them under a small bobber in the shallows or on a light jig head in deeper water. You can catch shiners in the creek itself using a small seine or net, or buy them from bait shops in Sodus Point.

Yellow perch respond to small jigged minnows (1 to 2 inches), tiny soft plastics, and live shiners. Use 1/16- to 1/8-ounce jig heads and fish vertically in the deeper holes. Perch are aggressive and bite readily; you'll know within minutes if they're active.

Tidal influence and timing

First Creek is tidal, though the range is modest—typically 1 to 2 feet between high and low tide. The incoming tide pushes fresh bay water into the creek, concentrates baitfish, and triggers feeding. Fish the incoming tide whenever possible, especially during the first two hours after low tide. The outgoing tide can be productive too, but the incoming tide is more reliable.

Tide tables for Sodus Point are available online through NOAA or through fishing apps. Check the tide before you go; fishing a slack tide (the brief period between incoming and outgoing) is usually slow. Plan your trip to arrive an hour before the tide turns incoming, and you'll have a solid window.

What to watch for and what to avoid

The creek's bottom is soft mud mixed with silt, which holds a lot of submerged wood and debris. Snags are constant. Use a weedless jig or Texas-rigged soft plastic, and accept that you'll lose a few lures. Bring extra tackle.

Water quality varies with rainfall. Heavy rain upstream muddies the creek and can shut down the bite for a day or two. If the water looks brown, wait a day or two for it to clear. After rain, the incoming tide clears the water faster than the outgoing tide.

The creek is narrow and can get crowded on weekends during spring and fall. Arrive early or fish on weekdays if you prefer solitude. Respect other anglers' space and don't motor fast through shallow areas where people are casting from shore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish First Creek?

No. Shore access along the eastern bank near the inlet gives you good casting distance to the channel. A small boat or kayak expands your options and lets you reach the deeper holes and backwater pockets, but it's not required. Many anglers fish the creek successfully from shore.

What's the best time of year to catch largemouths here?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most consistent. Spring offers spawning fish in shallow water; fall offers aggressive feeding throughout the creek. Summer is slower because heat pushes fish into deeper holes and reduces daytime activity. Winter is possible but requires patience.

Can I keep what I catch?

New York state allows you to keep largemouth bass and yellow perch, subject to size and bag limits. Check the current New York Department of Environmental Conservation regulations before you fish; limits change annually. A valid New York fishing license is required.

What happens if the creek is frozen?

Ice fishing is possible in winter, though the creek's shallow depth and tidal movement mean ice forms unevenly and can be unsafe. Check ice thickness before you venture out. Shore fishing remains an option even when ice covers the water; fish from the bank using jigged minnows or small soft plastics.

Is there a better spot nearby if First Creek isn't fishing?

Sodus Bay itself holds walleye, perch, and largemouths, and it fishes well when the creek is slow. The Genesee River, about 15 miles west, offers a different environment (river current, deeper water) and different species. Both are worth exploring if First Creek isn't producing.