What Second Creek Offers

Second Creek is a short, narrow tributary that feeds into Sodus Bay from the south, running through low-lying marsh and agricultural land in Wayne County. It's not a destination stream—most anglers pass it by—but it holds smallmouth bass and panfish in its deeper pools, and the creek mouth where it meets the bay can be productive during spring and fall when baitfish move through. The water is slow and often murky, which means you're fishing by feel and sound rather than sight, and the creek's shallow depth (rarely more than four feet) keeps it from supporting the larger bass you'd find in the main bay.

What makes Second Creek worth a trip is access and solitude. You won't fight crowds here, and the creek's narrow channel means you can cover productive water quickly with a kayak or canoe. The surrounding marsh provides cover for bass and gives panfish—bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch—places to hunt and hide. If you're looking for a quiet half-day outing close to Sodus Bay, Second Creek delivers that without the noise and boat traffic of the main water.

Key Takeaways

  • Second Creek holds smallmouth bass and panfish in its deeper pools, but the water is shallow and often stained, so you'll need to fish by feel and sound rather than sight.
  • The creek mouth where Second Creek meets Sodus Bay is most productive during spring and fall when baitfish move between the creek and the bay.
  • A kayak or canoe is the best way to fish Second Creek, since the narrow channel and shallow depth make wading difficult and motorboats impractical.
  • Access is limited to informal launch points near the creek mouth; there is no developed public boat launch on the creek itself.

Where to Launch and How to Access the Water

Second Creek has no formal public launch, which is both the problem and the appeal. Your best option is to launch a kayak or canoe from the shoulder near the creek mouth where Second Creek Road crosses the water, roughly a mile south of the Sodus Bay waterfront. The spot is tight and informal—there's no dock or ramp, just a grassy bank—but it's passable for a small boat or kayak. Parking is limited to a few spots along the road shoulder; do not block the road or private driveways.

If you're launching from Sodus Bay proper, you can paddle south along the shoreline and enter Second Creek from the bay side. This route gives you a longer paddle but avoids the tight launch and lets you fish the creek mouth first, which is often the most productive zone. The bay-side approach also works well if you want to fish the bay in the morning and retreat to the creek's calmer water in the afternoon.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Fish

Spring (April through May) is when Second Creek comes alive. Smallmouth bass move into the creek from the bay to spawn, and the warming water triggers panfish to feed heavily. Fish the deeper pools and any structure—fallen trees, root wads, or dense marsh grass—where bass can hide. Small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce), soft plastics, and live shiners work well. The creek mouth is especially productive during this window because baitfish concentrate there as they move between the bay and the creek.

Summer (June through August) slows the action. The water warms and the creek becomes stagnant in places, and bass retreat to the deepest pools or move back into the bay. Panfish remain active in the early morning and late evening. Fish slowly and focus on shade—under overhanging vegetation, in the shadow of the marsh banks, or in the few deeper holes. Early morning or dusk trips are more productive than midday.

Fall (September through October) brings a second strong bite. Baitfish move back through the creek mouth as water temperatures drop, and bass follow. The creek mouth and the first half-mile of the creek upstream are your best bets. Smallmouth will chase shiners and small crankbaits, and panfish feed throughout the day. This is often the most consistent time to fish Second Creek.

Winter (November through March) is slow. The creek can freeze in cold years, and even when open, bass are lethargic and deep. Panfish remain present but are harder to locate. Most anglers skip Second Creek in winter and focus on the main bay or other options.

Tackle and Technique for Shallow, Stained Water

Second Creek's shallow depth and murky water demand a different approach than clear, deep streams. Smallmouth bass rely on vibration and lateral-line detection rather than sight, so use lures that make noise or create disturbance: small crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs with rattles. Soft plastics work too, but fish them slowly and deliberately so the bass can find them by feel.

For panfish, a simple ultralight spinning rod with a small jig (1/16 ounce) tipped with a live cricket or small minnow is deadly. Bluegill and pumpkinseed will also take small dry flies or poppers if you have a fly rod. The shallow water and dense vegetation make fly fishing tricky, but it's possible in the open pools.

Live bait—shiners, minnows, or crawfish—often outperforms artificials in Second Creek because the stained water makes it harder for bass to distinguish a fake. If you're using live bait, fish it under a small bobber in the deeper pools or along the marsh edge where bass hunt. Keep your presentations small and quiet; Second Creek is intimate water, and a loud splash or heavy lure will spook fish in the shallows.

What Species Live Here

Smallmouth bass are the primary target. They're not large—most run 10 to 14 inches—but they're aggressive and willing to bite. The creek's shallow depth and marsh habitat favor smaller, younger fish over trophy-sized bass. Spring and fall are best for consistent action.

Panfish are abundant and often overlooked. Bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch thrive in the creek's marsh habitat and are present year-round. They're smaller than panfish in larger lakes, but they're plentiful and fun on light tackle. Panfish are most active in spring and early summer, and again in fall.

Largemouth bass are present but less common than smallmouth. The creek's shallow, marshy character suits smallmouth better, but largemouths do move in during spring and can be found in the densest vegetation.

Rules, Seasons, and What You Need to Know

Second Creek is in New York State waters, so you'll need a New York fishing license. Smallmouth bass are open year-round with a five-fish daily limit and a 12-inch minimum size. Panfish have no size or season restrictions in most of New York, but check the current New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations before you go, as rules can change.

The creek is shallow and slow-moving, so motorboats are impractical and not recommended. Kayaks and canoes are the standard. The surrounding land is a mix of private property and marsh, so stay on the water and do not trespass. The creek mouth area is public water, but the upper creek may border private land; respect posted signs and stay in the channel.

When to Fish Second Creek

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the prime windows. Water temperatures are moderate, baitfish are active, and bass are feeding hard. Summer is possible but slower, especially midday. Winter is not worth the effort unless you're desperate for a panfish outing.

Time of day matters more in summer than in spring or fall. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before sunset) are most productive in warm months. In spring and fall, you can fish throughout the day, though dawn and dusk are still reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Second Creek with a motorboat?

Technically yes, but it's not practical. The creek is shallow and narrow, and a motorboat will spook fish and disturb the water. A kayak, canoe, or small johnboat with an electric motor is much better suited to Second Creek's shallow, intimate character.

Is there a public boat launch on Second Creek?

No formal launch exists. You can launch a kayak or canoe from the grassy bank near Second Creek Road where it crosses the water, about a mile south of the Sodus Bay waterfront. Parking is limited and informal. Alternatively, launch from a Sodus Bay facility and paddle into the creek from the bay.

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

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive. Smallmouth bass move into the creek to spawn in spring, and baitfish concentrate at the creek mouth in both seasons. Summer is slower, and winter is rarely worth the effort.

Do I need a New York fishing license to fish Second Creek?

Yes. Second Creek is in New York State waters, so you'll need a valid New York fishing license. You can purchase one online through the DEC website or at most sporting goods stores.

What size bass can I keep from Second Creek?

Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a five-fish daily limit in New York. Most bass in Second Creek run 10 to 14 inches, so many will be undersized. Check current DEC regulations before you fish, as rules can change year to year.