What Second Creek Offers

Second Creek is a narrow, protected tidal creek that feeds into Sodus Bay just south of Sodus Point. It's a short paddle or walk from the main bay, making it a natural choice when Sodus Point itself is too rough or crowded. The creek holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and panfish—mostly bluegill and pumpkinseed—in water that rarely gets more than eight feet deep.

The real draw here is shelter. When northwest winds push hard across the open bay, Second Creek stays calm. The creek also warms faster in spring and holds cooler pockets in midsummer, which shifts where the fish hold depending on the season. If you're already at Sodus Point and the conditions turn, Second Creek is your backup plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Second Creek is a shallow tidal creek that provides calmer water than Sodus Bay when winds pick up.
  • Smallmouth bass and panfish are the primary species, with seasonal movement between the creek mouth and the shallower upper reaches.
  • Access is limited to foot traffic or small boats; there is no dedicated parking lot, and you must walk from nearby Sodus Point facilities.
  • Tidal movement matters here more than in open water—fish feed actively during the first two hours of incoming tide.

How to Reach Second Creek

Second Creek has no parking area of its own. Most anglers reach it by walking south from Sodus Point State Historic Site or by launching a small boat from Sodus Point and paddling into the bay. The creek mouth is roughly 0.3 miles south of the point itself, clearly visible as a narrow opening in the shoreline.

If you're walking, follow the shoreline south from the historic site parking area. The walk is short but crosses private property in places, so stay on the water's edge or ask locally about the current access situation. A small kayak or canoe is the ideal vessel—the creek narrows quickly, and the bottom is soft mud that can trap a larger boat at low tide.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Fish

In spring (April through May), smallmouth bass move into the creek as water temperatures climb above 55 degrees. They stage at the mouth first, then push into the shallower sections as the creek warms. Fish the mouth on incoming tide with small crankbaits or soft plastics in 4 to 6 feet of water. As May progresses, work the upper creek in 2 to 4 feet where the bottom transitions from mud to sand and gravel.

Summer (June through August) is panfish season. Bluegill and pumpkinseed move shallow and stay there, especially in the early morning and late evening. A simple bobber rig with a live cricket or small minnow works well in 2 to 3 feet. Smallmouth are still present but deeper and less active during midday heat. Fish the creek mouth and any deeper holes you can find during the heat of the day, then move shallow at dawn and dusk.

Fall (September through October) brings smallmouth back into the shallows as water cools. The creek becomes active again, and this is often the best time for consistent bass fishing. Use small jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastics along the edges where deeper water meets shallow flats. Incoming tide is still the most productive period.

Tidal Movement and Timing

Second Creek is tidal, and the tide matters more here than in Sodus Bay itself. On incoming tide, water pushes into the creek and fish move with it, feeding actively in the shallows. The first two hours of incoming tide are usually the most productive. On outgoing tide, fish retreat to deeper holes and the mouth, and fishing slows considerably.

Check tide tables for Sodus Point before you fish. The creek mouth floods and drains completely over a six-hour cycle, so plan your visit to fish the incoming tide when you have the best chance. Low tide can leave large sections of the creek too shallow to fish effectively, though it's a good time to scout the bottom and locate deeper holes for your next trip.

What Gear and Tackle to Bring

A light spinning rod (5 to 6 feet) is ideal for Second Creek. The water is shallow, the fish are not large, and you'll often be casting into tight spaces. Bring 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line—braid helps you feel the soft bottom and detect light bites in shallow water.

For smallmouth, pack small crankbaits (1 to 2 inches), soft plastics in natural colors (crawfish, shad patterns), and small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce). For panfish, bring a bobber rig, small hooks (size 8 to 10), and live bait—crickets, small minnows, or worms. A net is helpful but not essential; most fish here are small enough to hand-land. Wear waders or waterproof boots; the shoreline is muddy and wet year-round.

Rules and Regulations

New York State freshwater fishing regulations apply to Second Creek. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit and a daily limit of five fish. Largemouth bass follow the same rules. Panfish (bluegill and pumpkinseed) have no minimum size and no daily limit, though keeping a reasonable number is good practice.

You need a New York State fishing license to fish Second Creek, whether you're fishing from shore or from a boat. A license is inexpensive and can be purchased online at the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores in the area.

When Conditions Make Second Creek the Better Choice

Second Creek shines when Sodus Point is too windy or crowded. Northwest winds that make the main bay choppy leave the creek protected. On hot summer days, the creek stays cooler than the open bay, and fish are more active. If you're new to the area or want a quieter, more sheltered experience, Second Creek is worth the short walk.

The trade-off is that the creek is smaller and shallower, so it holds fewer fish and they're generally smaller than what you might find in the main bay. It's not a destination on its own for most anglers, but as a backup plan or a place to spend an hour while waiting for conditions to improve elsewhere, it delivers consistent action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I launch a kayak or canoe at Second Creek?

There's no formal launch, but you can carry a small kayak or canoe from Sodus Point and launch it at the creek mouth or anywhere along the shoreline. The soft bottom means you'll sink slightly, but it's manageable. Larger boats risk getting stuck at low tide, so stick with something you can carry.

What's the best time of day to fish Second Creek?

Early morning and late evening are best for panfish and smallmouth in summer. In spring and fall, fish are active throughout the day, but incoming tide is always more productive than outgoing. Check the tide table and plan to fish the first two hours of the incoming cycle.

Do I need a boat to fish Second Creek?

No. You can walk from Sodus Point and fish the shoreline and shallows on foot. A small boat or kayak gives you more access to deeper holes and the creek mouth, but it's not required. Waders or waterproof boots make shore fishing much more comfortable.

Is Second Creek good for beginners?

Yes. The water is shallow and calm, fish are plentiful (especially panfish), and you don't need fancy tackle. It's a forgiving place to learn, and the short walk from Sodus Point means you can try it without committing a full day.

What happens if I fish Second Creek at low tide?

Much of the creek becomes too shallow to fish effectively. Fish retreat to deeper holes near the mouth, and you'll have fewer options. Low tide is a good time to scout the bottom and plan your next trip, but incoming tide is when you should actually fish.