What You'll Find at Horton Point
Horton Point Lighthouse sits on a rocky bluff at the northeastern tip of Southold, where Peconic Bay meets the Sound. The lighthouse itself is a working navigational aid and a museum, but what matters to anglers is the water around it: a productive mix of rocky structure, sandy bottom, and current that holds striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish depending on the season.
The point juts out far enough to catch both tidal flows and wind-driven baitfish movement. Early morning and the hour before dark are your best windows, especially in spring and fall when larger stripers move through the shallows. Summer brings smaller bass and blues in the deeper channels just off the rocks. Winter fishing is possible but cold and exposed—the point offers almost no shelter from nor'easters.
Key Takeaways
- Horton Point is a rocky headland where Peconic Bay meets the Sound, with good structure for striped bass and bluefish in spring, summer, and fall.
- Access is free and open to the public during daylight hours; the lighthouse grounds are managed by the Southold Historical Society.
- Fish the slack water and current changes around the rocks, especially at dawn and dusk when baitfish are most active.
- Parking is limited to a small lot at the lighthouse; arrive early on weekends or fish on weekday mornings when the lot is less crowded.
- Wading is possible along the rocky shore, but the bottom is uneven and slippery—wear felt-soled boots or wading shoes with good grip.
How to Get There and Where to Park
From Southold village, take Route 25 north toward Orient. The lighthouse is at the end of Lighthouse Road, which branches off Route 25 just past the Southold Historical Society building. Follow Lighthouse Road to its end; you'll see the lighthouse tower and a small parking area.
The lot holds roughly a dozen cars. On summer weekends and holidays, it fills by mid-morning. If you can't find a spot, there is limited street parking along Lighthouse Road itself, though the town enforces it during peak season. Your best bet is to arrive before 7 a.m. or fish on weekday mornings when the lot is nearly empty.
The grounds are open to the public during daylight hours. The lighthouse museum has limited hours (typically weekends and some weekday afternoons in summer), but you don't need to enter it to fish the shoreline.
The Best Fishing Spots Around the Point
The rocky shelf that runs along the eastern and northern sides of the point is where most anglers focus. The rocks create current breaks and hold baitfish, especially sand eels and silversides. Wade out carefully along the rocks during slack tide or the early part of the incoming flow; the bottom is uneven and slippery even in calm conditions.
The deeper channel that runs between Horton Point and the waters to the north holds larger stripers in spring and fall. If you have a small boat or kayak, you can fish this channel while staying off the rocks. The current here can run hard during tide changes, so watch your footing and your anchor.
The sandy bottom to the west of the point, inside Peconic Bay, is shallower and warmer. This area produces smaller stripers and bluefish in summer and is less dramatic than the rocky point itself, but it can be productive when the point is too crowded or the wind is up.
Seasonal Patterns and What to Expect
Spring (April through May) brings the first large stripers of the year as they move out of deeper winter holes and into the shallows to feed. The water is cold—in the 45 to 55 degree range—so fish move slowly and feed predictably around dawn and dusk. Larger plugs and live eels work well.
Summer (June through August) sees smaller stripers and plenty of bluefish. The water warms to the 70s, and fish become more active but also more scattered. Early morning and late evening are still best, but you may find fish throughout the day if you're willing to work the deeper channels. Smaller lures and live baitfish are effective.
Fall (September through November) is often the best season. Stripers return to the shallows as water cools, and they feed aggressively in preparation for winter. Bluefish are still around, and weakfish move through in October and November. The weather is more stable than spring, and the fishing window extends later into the morning and earlier into the afternoon.
Winter (December through March) is slow and cold. Some stripers stay in the deeper channels, but the exposed point makes fishing uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. Most anglers focus on other spots during these months.
What Gear and Tackle to Bring
A 7 to 8-foot medium-action spinning rod with 15 to 20-pound braid is standard for this water. The rocks will snag you, so bring extra line and be prepared to break off. Topwater plugs, pencil poppers, and small swimmers (2 to 3 inches) work well in spring and fall. In summer, switch to smaller lures or live baitfish like silversides or sand eels.
Wading shoes or boots with felt soles or aggressive rubber treads are essential. The rocks are covered in algae and barnacles, and the bottom drops off suddenly in places. A wading belt and a small net are useful but not required. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish at dawn; the parking area is dark before sunrise.
The point is exposed to wind and current, so dress for conditions that are often cooler and windier than the mainland. A rain jacket and layers are smart even on days that look calm from town.
Rules and What to Know Before You Go
New York State fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website or at local tackle shops in Southold.
Striped bass regulations change annually. As of recent years, the minimum size is 18 inches and the daily limit is one fish per angler. Bluefish have no size minimum but a daily limit of 10 fish. Weakfish have a 12-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit. Check the DEC website before you fish, as these rules are updated each season.
The lighthouse grounds are public, but the building itself is private property. Stay on the designated paths and don't trespass on the museum grounds if you're not paying admission. The rocky shoreline is fair game for fishing.
Nearby Water and Alternative Spots
If Horton Point is crowded or the conditions aren't right, Southold has other options within a short drive. Goldsmith's Inlet, just south of the lighthouse, offers similar rocky structure in a slightly more protected setting. The bay side of Southold, around Peconic Bay itself, is shallower and warmer, better for summer fishing and less dramatic but often less crowded.
Orient Point, at the very tip of the North Fork, is about 15 minutes away and offers a different angle on the same water. The ferry terminal there has public access, and the rocks and current around the point hold the same species. It's worth exploring if you want to compare conditions or spread out the fishing pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish at night at Horton Point?
The lighthouse grounds close at dusk, and there is no public access after dark. Fish during daylight hours only. Dawn and dusk are your best windows within those hours.
Is there a boat launch nearby?
No launch at Horton Point itself. The nearest public launch is at Southold Town Marine Park, about 3 miles south on Route 25. From there, you can reach Horton Point by water in a small boat or kayak in about 10 minutes.
What's the best tide for fishing here?
The incoming tide is usually most productive, especially the first two hours after slack water. The outgoing tide can work too, but the current runs harder and the rocks become more treacherous. Avoid fishing at the peak of either tide if you're new to the spot.
Do I need a boat to fish Horton Point?
No. The rocky shoreline is accessible by wading, and most anglers fish from the rocks or the shallow water around them. A boat or kayak lets you reach deeper water and different angles, but it's not required.
What should I do if I hook a large striper?
Keep your rod tip up and let the fish run if it wants to. The rocks will cut your line if you try to horse it in. Play the fish patiently, and be ready to move along the rocks to follow it. A small net makes landing easier, but many anglers beach large fish on the rocks and handle them carefully.