A Sodus Point New York Fishing Reunion

As I rolled into the village of Sodus Point, New York, Lake Ontario seemed to appear out of nowhere, its vast expanse shimmering under the afternoon sun. Driving down the main drag, I was taken by the charm of the area—one quaint firehouse, a single gas station, a few bars and restaurants, and several establishments that had long since “closed for the season.” This idyllic setting provided a warm welcome as I approached my destination.

Upon arriving at the Sodus Point Lodge on Greig Street, I was greeted by owner Tom Lewis and manager Mary Emerson. My previous correspondence with Tom had put my mind at ease regarding accommodations and steelhead trout fishing information, and having explored the Lodge’s website, I felt confident in my choice of lodging—no reservations needed, no pun intended!

The Grand Room at the Lodge exceeded my expectations and was perfectly tailored for outdoor enthusiasts and anglers eager to explore Sodus Point. The space was adorned with stunning mounts of fish and game, showcasing the rich natural heritage of the region. Impressive displays of fishing gear and tackle lined the walls, while comfortable couches invited relaxation after a long day of fishing. A pool table, flat-screen televisions, and arcade games added to the entertainment options, creating a lively yet inviting atmosphere.

Tom and Mary instantly made me feel welcome and completely at home, ensuring that my stay would be as enjoyable as my fishing adventures ahead. The Grand Room was not just a place to rest; it was a hub of camaraderie and excitement for those who share a passion for the outdoors.

It was November 18, 2009, and I was nearly five hours into my drive from southern Pennsylvania to upstate New York, excitedly anticipating some fishing at Sodus Point. After picking up State Route 14 in Watkins Glen, I found myself surrounded by breathtaking scenery with virtually no traffic in sight. The stretch along the west shore of Seneca Lake was particularly captivating. Under bright blue skies and a warm sun, with temperatures hovering around 55 degrees, the landscape showcased the subtle hints of autumn’s arrival. Bare-limbed orchards dotted the horizon, with scattered apples strewn across the ground and golden corn stubble punctuating the semi-wooded terrain of upstate New York.

As I entered the village of Sodus Point, Lake Ontario emerged suddenly, like a surprise unveiling. Driving down the main drag, I was charmed by the quaint atmosphere—one firehouse, a single gas station, a few bars and restaurants, and most other establishments clearly closed for the season. My arrival at the Sodus Point Lodge on Greig Street was warmly welcomed by owner Tom Lewis and manager Mary Emerson. Having already communicated with Tom about accommodations and gathered intel on steelhead trout fishing in the area, I felt confident in my choice of lodging.

The Grand Room at the Lodge was everything outdoor enthusiasts and anglers could desire for a Sodus Point fishing adventure. It featured stunning mounts of fish and game, impressive displays of fishing gear and tackle, and comfortable couches perfect for relaxing after a long day on the water. The room also boasted a pool table, flat-screen televisions, and arcade games, making it a spacious and inviting hub for guests. Tom and Mary instantly made me feel at home, their hospitality adding to the already welcoming atmosphere.

After exchanging pleasantries and stowing some gear in my room, I set off west along Lake Road. Within minutes, I arrived at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) parking lot along Maxwell Creek. However, my anticipation quickly dipped as I noticed only two cars in the parking lot. Any seasoned angler knows that hot steelhead spots are typically overflowing with vehicles, especially this time of year. Had Tom been playing a trick on me regarding the fishing prospects in Sodus Point?

Just as my spirits began to flag, my close friend and fellow angler David Rakiecki pulled into the lot. David, who resides in Grand Junction, Colorado, and I had been friends since seventh grade. We had been planning this fishing trip for over a year, and I was thrilled to finally be able to share this experience with him. As one of the most accomplished hunters I know, David had gifted me with countless unforgettable hunting experiences in the West. Now, it was my turn to serve as his fishing guide for the next three days.

Despite the excitement, I must admit to feeling a twinge of pressure. All the fishing reports had echoed a similar sentiment: while a few fish had started to show up, the water levels were notably low and clear. Anglers were hoping for a heavy rain to usher more fish in from Lake Ontario, but the three-day forecast didn’t hold much promise for significant precipitation.

However, my mother always said, “be happy with what you’ve got.” So, I decided to embrace the beautiful weather and the opportunity to spend time fishing with a lifelong friend as a rewarding experience in itself.

David was working a stretch below a large downed tree in the water when I noticed his rod pulsating; he had hooked into a sizable steelhead trout. Having never used my gear before, he skillfully played the fish, making every effort to keep it clear of the deadfall. After a lengthy battle, he managed to ease it into my net. What an impressive first steelhead for him—28 inches and a solid 12 pounds! We quickly snapped a few photos of the magnificent fish before returning to the task at hand.

Using a crystal meth fly pattern, I hooked into a fish when my strike indicator barely nudged. At first, it swam directly into shore, causing a small splash, and I initially assumed it was just a smaller fish. However, it quickly rocketed downstream, stripping line from my fly reel with surprising speed.

An older gentleman fishing nearby swore it was a big king salmon, as the fish made several desperate attempts to take me into and under the tree in the deeper water. Each time, I gathered line and horsed it upstream, keeping it clear of potential snags. Soon, I caught a glimpse of the fish and realized I was into an incredible steelhead trout.

As I gained line, bringing it closer to shore, the big buck steelhead repeatedly took off at the sight of the net. Eventually, it tired, allowing me to hoist it out of the cold water and into the net. Measuring 34 inches and weighing 17½ pounds, it was the largest steelhead I had ever caught. Remarkably, it was only half an hour into our trip, and we both had scored monster steelhead!

We fished until dark, landing several more steelheads, two brown trout, and a nice coho salmon. It was a beautiful day filled with surprisingly good fishing and the warmth of great friendship—does it really get any better than that?

Sodus Point, New York, in November was an oasis of peace and relaxation. The vibrant fall foliage of mid-October had come and gone, taking with it the leaf-peeping crowds of early fall. With the lodge key in hand, we were the only guests, and the streets were virtually deserted—except during mealtimes when Captain Jack’s bustled with activity. It was evident that the locals made up a significant portion of the clientele, and many appeared to know one another.

Despite the quietness, the staff and patrons were warm, accommodating, and engaging. The food was exceptional, and the prices were incredibly reasonable. Throughout our stay, we never felt like outsiders or visitors; instead, we were embraced by the community, adding another layer of warmth to an already memorable fishing trip.

Determined to maximize our angling efforts, I reached out to Tom for any recommendations on charter boat captains still operating on Lake Ontario. After a couple of phone calls, Tom informed us that Captain Lee Geibel of Reeltime Fishing Charters was on the verge of pulling his boat out for the winter but would be happy to accommodate our request for some fishing at Sodus Point.

We booked a half-day trip with Captain Lee for our second day in Sodus Point, New York. From the moment we stepped aboard, it was clear we were in good hands. Captain Lee was not only professional and knowledgeable but also a fantastic conversationalist. We enjoyed swapping archery hunting stories, and his vivid descriptions of gunning for ducks and geese along the lakeshore kept us entertained during lulls in the fishing action.

The day turned out to be exceptionally productive. We had numerous hookups, landing an impressive northern pike along with several brown trout. The excitement of the day was palpable, with each fish caught adding to the thrill of our Sodus Point adventure. It was a perfect blend of camaraderie and competition, making for a memorable day on the water.