Fishing in Sodus Point: A Year-Round Guide

Spring in Sodus Point is a time of rejuvenation. As the ice melts and temperatures rise, fish become more active, emerging from their winter dormancy. This period, roughly spanning from late March to May, offers some of the best fishing opportunities as fish move into shallower waters to spawn.

• Brown Trout: One of the first species to become active in the spring. Brown trout can be found in both the lake and the streams flowing into it.
• Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These fish make their way up the streams for spawning, providing excellent fishing opportunities.
• Perch: Yellow perch become highly active, making them a popular target.
• Northern Pike: Known for their aggressive nature, pike are more accessible in the shallow waters during spring.

1. Timing: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish. As the water warms up during the day, fish become more active.
2. Location: Focus on shallow waters, particularly near the mouths of streams and inlets where fish come to spawn.
3. Bait and Lures: Use live bait such as minnows and worms. For lures, try spinners and spoons that mimic small fish.
4. Gear: Light to medium tackle is generally sufficient. Ensure your gear is in good condition after the winter months.
5. Weather Considerations: Spring weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and be prepared for sudden changes.

Summer, from June to August, is the most popular fishing season in Sodus Point. The warm weather and calm waters attract both fish and anglers in droves. This is the perfect time for boat fishing, though shore fishing remains productive.

• Smallmouth Bass: Abundant and active during summer, providing excellent sport fishing.
• Largemouth Bass: Found in warmer, weedy areas.
• Walleye: More active at night or during cloudy days.
• Salmon: Particularly in late summer as they prepare for their spawning run in the fall.
• Panfish: Including bluegill, crappie, and sunfish, which are great for family fishing trips.

1. Timing: Early morning and late evening are best to avoid the midday heat when fish tend to be less active.
2. Location: Focus on deeper waters during the heat of the day and move to shallower areas during the cooler parts of the day.
3. Bait and Lures: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics work well. Live bait such as nightcrawlers and leeches are also effective.
4. Gear: Use medium to heavy tackle to handle larger fish that are more active in the summer.
5. Boating: If you are fishing from a boat, use a fish finder to locate schools of fish in deeper waters.
6. Safety: Always wear a life jacket and stay hydrated. Summer sun can be intense, so use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.

Fall, from September to November, is considered by many anglers to be the prime fishing season in Sodus Point. The cooler temperatures and fewer tourists create a serene fishing environment. Fish are actively feeding in preparation for the winter, making them more likely to bite.

• Salmon: Chinook and Coho salmon are the stars of the fall season, particularly in the tributaries as they move to spawn.
• Brown Trout: Continue to be active, especially in the streams and near shorelines.
• Steelhead: Enter streams for spawning, providing excellent fly-fishing opportunities.
• Perch: Remain active, especially in the cooler waters.
• Bass: Both smallmouth and largemouth bass are active until the water cools significantly.

1. Timing: Early morning and late afternoon continue to be prime times, but midday can also be productive as fish feed aggressively.
2. Location: Tributaries and stream mouths are hotspots for salmon and trout. Bass and perch can be found near structures and weed lines.
3. Bait and Lures: Use larger lures that mimic baitfish. Spoons, spinners, and plugs are effective. For live bait, use minnows and roe for salmon and trout.
4. Gear: Medium to heavy tackle is recommended, particularly for salmon. Fly fishing gear is ideal for targeting steelhead.
5. Techniques: Drift fishing and trolling are effective for salmon. Casting near structures works well for bass.
6. Weather Considerations: Fall weather can be variable. Dress in layers and be prepared for cooler temperatures and possible rain.

Winter, from December to February, transforms Sodus Point into an ice fishing paradise. As the lake and bays freeze over, a different set of challenges and rewards awaits the dedicated angler. Ice fishing is a unique and rewarding experience, requiring specific techniques and equipment.

• Perch: Yellow perch are the primary target during the winter months.
• Northern Pike: Remain active under the ice, providing thrilling catches.
• Walleye: Active in deeper waters and during low light conditions.
• Bluegill and Crappie: Popular targets for ice fishing enthusiasts.

1. Safety: Ensure the ice is at least 4 inches thick before venturing out. Always fish with a partner and carry safety equipment such as ice picks and a rope.
2. Location: Focus on areas with underwater structures, weed beds, and drop-offs where fish congregate.
3. Bait and Lures: Use small jigs tipped with minnows or wax worms. For larger fish like pike, use larger live bait such as shiners.
4. Gear: An ice auger is essential for drilling holes. Use an ice fishing rod with a sensitive tip to detect subtle bites.
5. Shelter: An ice fishing shelter or portable ice hut can provide protection from the elements, making the experience more comfortable.
6. Techniques: Jigging is a popular technique. Experiment with different jigging actions to entice bites. Tip-ups are effective for targeting larger fish like pike.

 Three Schooners Landing is a few minutes away from Sodus Bay as well as Kaitlyn's Marina. You can launch your kayak or dock your boat and take off into the bay. We offer a prime location for those who want to take their boat with them while on vacation. Sodus Point's on shore locations are also close by so you can walk down and start fishing right away. Learn more about Three Schooners Landing, take a look inside our condo units, or learn about other activities Sodus Point has to offer!

Fishing in Sodus Point offers a dynamic and rewarding experience throughout the year. Each season brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, with a diverse range of fish species to target. By understanding the seasonal patterns and employing the right techniques, anglers can enjoy successful fishing trips in this beautiful location. Whether you are ice fishing for perch in the winter, casting for bass in the summer, or chasing the thrilling salmon run in the fall, Sodus Point has something to offer every angler. Happy fishing!