A Sodus Point New York Fishing Reunion

Huge steelhead caught near Sodus Point New York

Enjoying the Upstate New York Scenery

On November 18, 2009, I found myself nearly five hours into my journey from southern Pennsylvania to the picturesque fishing haven of Sodus Point, New York. After transitioning onto State Route 14 in Watkins Glen, I was greeted with a tranquil drive—traffic was virtually non-existent, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the breathtaking scenery that unfolded around me.

The stretch along the west shore of Seneca Lake was particularly enchanting, with its stunning views drawing my attention at every turn. The sky was a brilliant blue, casting a warm glow over the landscape, and the sun shone brightly, creating a pleasant atmosphere with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 55 degrees. The only subtle reminder of the impending winter was found in the bare-limbed orchards, where scattered apples lay on the ground, remnants of a bountiful harvest. The semi-wooded terrain was dotted with golden corn stubble, a testament to the region’s agricultural roots, enhancing the beauty of Upstate New York in the fall.

Sodus Point New York Lodging

Owner and manager of Sodus Point Lodge, popular lodging for anglers in Sodus Point,NY
Tom Lewis, owner, and Mary Emerson, manager, of Sodus Point Lodge

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.

Scouting for the Best Sodus Point Fishing

After exchanging pleasantries and stowing away some gear in my room, I set off westward on Lake Road, excitement bubbling within me. Within a few short minutes, I arrived at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) parking lot along Maxwell Creek. However, my anticipation quickly turned to concern as I noticed only two cars parked in the lot.

Experienced anglers know that prime steelhead spots are typically bustling with activity this time of year, with more vehicles than the parking area can accommodate. The sight of such emptiness raised a flag of doubt in my mind. Could Tom have been pulling my leg about the fishing prospects in Sodus Point? I wondered if I had missed some vital piece of information or if my enthusiasm was about to be met with disappointment.

Unfavorable Conditions

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.

Fly Fishing Supplies

It didn’t take long for Murphy’s Law to rear its ugly head. As I joined the two sections of my 10½-foot custom-made noodle rod, I quickly realized that the graphite on the “female” end of the rod had shattered, splintering into several uneven lengths. Apparently, when my cooler shifted a quarter-mile from Sodus Point, it had inflicted more damage than I had initially thought—lucky me!

Scurrying back to my vehicle, I uncased my eight-weight fly rod and hurriedly returned to the streamside. After pooling together some leader material, strike indicators, and a selection of steelhead flies, we were both finally ready to cast our lines. The creek was surprisingly quiet, with only two other fly fishermen present. They informed us that conditions had been decent at daybreak for about an hour but had since dwindled into a lull. A few fish occasionally porpoised, but the midday hours had never been regarded as prime time for steelheading, leaving us to hope for a change in fortune as we settled into the rhythm of the day.

Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, the serene autumn landscape and the camaraderie of my lifelong friend, David, kept my spirits buoyed. The gentle rustling of the leaves and the clear sound of flowing water were a soothing backdrop, reminding me that, regardless of the fishing conditions, being outdoors and sharing the experience was a reward in itself. With renewed determination, I cast my line into the creek, eager to see what the afternoon would bring.

Turning Tides

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.

Lake Ontario Charter

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.

A Trip to Remember

Having fished the tributaries of Lake Ontario for over thirty years and explored many waters from Rochester to Pulaski, I can confidently say that my experience in Sodus Point was unparalleled. The combination of relaxation, warm hospitality, and sheer enjoyment we found while fishing there set it apart from any other trip I’ve taken.

On our final day, David and I fished together for a few hours, relishing the camaraderie and the thrill of the chase. After our time on the water, David packed up to head back to Colorado, while I prepared for my drive back to Everett, Pennsylvania. Before we parted ways, we made a promise to return to Maxwell Creek next year, eager to experience the fishing in Sodus Point once more. Autumn fishing in New York is an adventure we both agreed we wouldn’t want to miss!

Original Article By Bill Benigni

About the Author

Bill Benigni is an accomplished salmon, trout, and steelhead fisherman who grew up in Kane, Pennsylvania, and has hunted and fished throughout the United States for over fifty years.  He has had articles published in SalmonTroutSteelheader Magazine, Bow & Arrow Hunting Magazine, Real Hunting Magazine, and the PA Game News Magazine.  He has also written numerous articles about hunting and fishing for the Altoona Mirror and Bedford Daily Gazette newspapers.

This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.

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