Henderson Harbor NY Provides Great Spring Fishing

Adventures While Fishing in Henderson Harbor NY

The air was heavy with the promise of an early-season storm building in the west as we worked feverishly to set our planer board rods in the warmer waters just off Stony Creek. This legendary spot is known for its prime early brown trout fishing, and as the lake rolled gently under a thickening sky, our hopes were high. The creek’s outflow, warmer by a precious four degrees compared to the surrounding lake, had attracted clouds of alewife minnows that dimpled the surface—a telltale sign that we had come at the perfect time.

Springtime Fishing Opportunities

We prepared a spread of natural-colored Michigan Stinger spoons, each one ready to tempt the trout below. As the throttle nudged our speed up to 2.7 knots, we settled into the rhythm of trolling, rocking slightly as the breeze picked up. All eyes were on the planer boards as they traced wide arcs through the water, dipping closer to shore to explore shallower depths. Suddenly, the inside board plunged as one of our rods doubled over—the unmistakable sign of a hit. In the next instant, a bullet-like flash of silver shot out of the water, a hefty brown trout with our trolling spoon clenched firmly in its jaw. Before we could fully absorb the moment, two more rods bent sharply under the pressure of big brown trout. The first fish tipped the scales at just over 15 pounds, while the others came in at 8.5 and 10 pounds respectively.

Early Season Fishing

Days like this are what May is made of in Henderson Harbor, NY. Anglers flock to the eastern end of Lake Ontario each spring, drawn by the promise of trophy fish action and legendary brown trout and lake trout that prowl the shallows. The warming shoreline waters teem with alewife minnows and goby populations, which attract predatory trout in staggering numbers. While the allure of cold-water trophies often draws anglers here, it’s worth noting that the same waters hold remarkable potential for warm-water species, as our story soon took an exciting turn.

Landing New York State’s Trophy Fish

Within just over an hour, we had landed 12 stunning browns. Three of these beauties, impressive in size and color, were destined for preservation at Charles’ Taxidermy, where the skilled hands of veteran taxidermist Charlie Rawson would bring each trophy to life. With the storm gathering intensity, our group made a decision—to pivot our fishing plan and explore the sheltered waters of Henderson Harbor rather than return dockside. This choice opened up another thrilling chapter in our fishing adventure.

Targeting Henderson Harbor’s Pike and Walleye in Early Spring

It was mid-May, and Henderson Harbor’s protected waters were alive with northern pike and walleye on the hunt. Armed with a fresh spread of floating minnow baits, we began trolling through calm areas, sheltered from the storm raging on the open lake. The pike and pickerel action was nearly non-stop, with fish biting eagerly throughout the day. One lucky angler even managed to reel in an 11.5-pound walleye, a rare and prized catch that rounded off an already unforgettable outing.

The Unique Catch of Eastern Lake Ontario

If this kind of trophy fishing sounds extraordinary, that’s because it truly is. While many associate such top-tier angling with costly, remote fly-in trips to Canada or Alaska, the eastern reaches of Lake Ontario offer world-class fishing with unique structures and shallow waters that act as a magnet for fish each spring. The diverse, rugged underwater terrain and rich fish populations allow anglers to pursue trophy-sized fish even under less-than-ideal conditions.

Make no mistake, Henderson Harbor, NY, provides an angling experience that rivals the world’s best. Whether you’re a professional fisherman or simply a passionate amateur, the spring fishing in the eastern basin of Lake Ontario is unmatched in its accessibility, thrill, and sheer abundance of trophy catches.

Gators for the Boys

Young angler holding a large northern pike while fishing in Henderson Harbor NY.
Hunter Cobb holds one of nine northern pike over 10 lbs. taken while fishing in Henderson Harbor NY in May.

In 2011, youth anglers gathered on the frozen expanse of Henderson Harbor, NY, to compete in the Third Annual Hard Water Challenge ice fishing derby. For these young anglers, this was a chance to experience the thrill of competitive ice fishing, test their skills, and connect with other passionate fishers. One of the prizes was an all-day fishing adventure with yours truly, and young Brandon Bolton emerged as one of the lucky winners. Not only could he bring along an adult chaperone, but he was also able to invite two more friends, making it a memorable outing for everyone. With northern pike as our target species, we set out on a day filled with excitement and camaraderie, hoping to catch some of the big ones that lurk in the icy waters of Henderson Harbor.

Hugging the Shoreline for Success

Henderson Harbor, NY, is renowned for its outstanding fishing, and the quality of the waters meant we didn’t need to travel far to begin our adventure. By 6:30 a.m., we were already off the dock, and rather than speeding to distant spots, we simply started trolling right from the harbor. We set our lines and began working the shoreline, weaving our way east around Gill House Point and toward Westcott Beach State Park. The water depth of around 15 feet was ideal, and as we moved slowly along the shore, we began tagging both pike and pickerel. This stretch of shoreline has a well-deserved reputation as prime fishing territory, offering ample structure that attracts hungry fish.

Choosing the Right Bait: Bomber Long A Minnows and Storm Thundersticks

Selecting the right bait can make or break a fishing day, and on this trip, our choices were Bomber Long A Minnows and Storm Thundersticks in metallic color schemes. Silver and black or silver and blue with a splash of red on the head had proven irresistible to pike in recent days, and we were confident they would work their magic once again. We guided the boat to sweep through the pocket of water in front of Westcott Beach State Park, covering every inch of promising territory. As we headed north toward Campbell’s Shoal, the anticipation grew, and soon, we were rewarded. Trolling just over the eastern edge of the shoal in about 10 feet of water, we watched as one of the inside rods bent dramatically under the weight of a powerful fish.

A Battle with a Big Northern Pike

Hunter Cobb, one of the young anglers in our group, was quick to grab the rod and set the hook with determination. What followed was a thrilling battle as the big fish ran sideways, cutting through the water toward our other planer lines. Paul Warneck, our adult chaperone, held the wheel steady as I moved swiftly to clear the lines and give Hunter a clean path to fight his catch. Hunter played the fish skillfully, responding to every powerful surge. When the massive northern pike finally surfaced, all eyes were glued to it, and Hunter’s expression of awe was priceless. Few things can stir a young angler’s spirit like the sight of a monster northern pike, and this one weighed in at an impressive 13.5 pounds. It wasn’t even 8 a.m., and already, the day was off to an unforgettable start.

The Eastern Lake Ontario Region Delivers Once Again

After resetting our lines, we headed back over the same structure, confident that more fish were lying in wait. We didn’t have to wait long before two rods doubled over simultaneously. Both fish had struck the silver and blue lures in our spread. One pike, a solid 7-pounder, was released, while a 15-pound northern made its way into the cooler—a trophy-sized catch that highlighted the area’s extraordinary fishing opportunities.

Henderson Harbor: A Gateway to World-Class Fishing in New York

The structure around Campbell’s Shoal seemed to be holding a fantastic number of northern pike, and surprisingly, we had this prime fishing area to ourselves. While Henderson Harbor itself is a prime starting point, the eastern basin of Lake Ontario is dotted with fishing hotspots. On this particular day, many other boats and charter crews had ventured out to fish popular spots like Black River Bay, Chaumont Bay, Three Mile Bay, and the rugged shores of Point Peninsula, but our decision to stay near Campbell’s Shoal was paying off.

We spent the remainder of the day fishing the area, and by evening, we’d lost track of the number of fish we’d caught and released. Among our notable catches, we managed to land nine northern pike in the 10 to 15-pound range, underscoring the incredible abundance and quality of Henderson Harbor’s warm-water fishery. For the young anglers, the experience of hooking and landing big, hard-fighting fish in such numbers was nothing short of magical. Henderson Harbor, NY, had delivered another day of unforgettable fishing, proving once again that it’s a world-class destination for anglers young and old alike.

Car Salesman Can Fish

Man holds 17lb brown trout while fishing in Henderson Harbor.
Rich Caskinette hefts a 17 lb. brown trout taken while fishing spoons behind Big Jon Diver Disks.
The following week, my good friend Rick Caskinette joined us for a day of brown trout fishing with the Saiff Fleet, eager to experience the renowned fishery of the eastern Lake Ontario region. Rick, a seasoned angler, was especially excited to showcase this area’s remarkable fishing potential to his guests. As the owner of the Ford dealership in Carthage, NY, Rick had brought along two of his most valued customers, along with his top salesman, for a day of fishing and camaraderie on the waters of Henderson Harbor, NY. This outing promised to be as much about forging connections as it was about hooking into some of the region’s impressive brown trout. With a keen eye on the weather and an arsenal of well-chosen tackle, we were ready to introduce them to the thrill of eastern Lake Ontario’s springtime bounty.

With Rick Caskinette and his guests aboard, we set out at first light, cruising the familiar waters of Henderson Harbor as dawn broke over Lake Ontario. The Saiff Fleet, well-known for its experienced guides and well-equipped vessels, was the perfect outfit to showcase the incredible brown trout fishery in the eastern basin. Spirits were high as we rigged up our rods with a selection of carefully chosen lures, the anticipation palpable. Rick, an avid angler, couldn’t wait to share the day’s adventure with his guests, and his enthusiasm spread quickly. By the time we left the dock, everyone was eager to get lines in the water and see what the lake had in store.

Adding Weight to Reach Feeding Fish

As we moved into the fishing grounds, our sonar revealed what we’d hoped for: the thermocline was settling, pushing huge schools of alewife minnows into deeper water in the trench area off Henderson. The “High Rocks,” a well-known area that acts as a baitfish magnet in spring, was alive with activity. The sonar showed a dense layer of alewives, schooled up between 15 to 30 feet below the surface in about 45 feet of water. Knowing the brown trout would be nearby, we adjusted our strategy.

We continued using planer board systems but added 3-ounce Gibb weights and Big Jon Mini Diver disks to our lines to help reach the fish holding just above the thermocline. Additionally, two downriggers were set at 18 and 22 feet to round out our presentation, covering a range of depths in hopes of enticing fish feeding around the bait clouds.

Dialing in Lure Color and Trolling Speed

Gold has become an increasingly effective color in the eastern basin over the past decade, so we leaned into this trend, setting up a pattern of lures built around various gold hues. Michigan Stinger spoons in Gold Perch, Gold Tuxedo, and Sodus Point Buckeye were loaded onto the rods and placed strategically to cover our targeted depths. Normally, we’d increase trolling speed to fire up the browns, but with baitfish clustered and the trout likely in a feeding frenzy, we slowed our speed to 2.2 knots, allowing the lures to hover longer around the bait clouds.

The setup worked like a charm. Before we even managed to get the eighth rod in place, our group was fighting a triple of brown trout! Though this first group of fish were on the smaller side, averaging around seven pounds each, they put up a lively fight. Calls from nearby captains reported that larger browns, real “bruisers,” were in the vicinity, so we quickly reset the rods, hoping to land some trophy-sized catches.

Hooking Into Bigger Browns Near the Pill Boxes

As we continued trolling towards an area known as the “Pill Boxes,” one of our downrigger rods suddenly snapped under pressure—a solid strike. Rick’s top salesman grabbed the rod and reeled in an 11.5-pound brown trout that had taken the Sodus Point Buckeye lure set at 18 feet. As the fish surfaced, we could see the treble hook firmly planted in the corner of its mouth, and in an impressive display of its recent meal, three alewife tails were poking out from the fish’s gullet. The trout were actively feeding, and we were right in the thick of it.

Landing a Monster

Man and boy holding a 16 lb. brown trout while fishing in Henderson Harbor.
Capt. George Kogut and his top angler Carson hold a 16 lb. brown taken while fishing in Henderson Harbor NY near Stony Point Lighthouse.

One of the most thrilling experiences during our fishing excursions in Henderson Harbor, NY, occurred near the Stony Point Lighthouse. Capt. George Kogut and his top angler, Carson, had just landed a stunning 16-pound brown trout, showing just how good the morning was shaping up to be. But the excitement didn’t stop there. Soon after, the team managed to hook three monster brown trout in quick succession, each one bigger than the last.

Mike Lundy was the first to pull in a fish, a hefty brown weighing in at 16.5 pounds. Not long after, Rick Caskinette had his turn, and the scales tipped even further, showing an impressive 17 pounds. The largest of the day, however, went to my buddy Joe Archer, who hooked into a brown trout that looked like it would outclass all the others.

As soon as Joe’s fish was on, we scrambled to clear lines, giving this enormous trout the room it needed as it darted along the starboard side. Joe maneuvered the fish carefully around the planer board towline, bringing it close to the boat four times. Each pass had everyone on edge, anticipating the moment we could finally net it. On the fifth attempt, the big brown trout rolled on its side—a sign that it was tiring—and I reached out with the net, sure this was the moment we’d land it. But just as I slid the net forward, the hook slipped free.

The entire scene seemed to play out in slow motion. The fish hesitated on the surface, almost as if giving us one last look before it slowly slipped back into the dark waters of the trench. Though we’ll never know for sure, I estimate this fish would have weighed between 18 and 20 pounds, a true trophy. It was a reminder of the thrill and heartbreak of fishing for big browns in Henderson Harbor, an area known for producing massive fish in May.

Stony Creek to Black River Bay 

A group of six anglers pose with their catches, over two dozen fish caught while fishing in Henderson Harbor.
Marty Burdick and his gang from Turning Stone show why May fishing in Henderson Harbor is great with a classic mix of pike, pickerel, browns, and walleye.

On another memorable outing, Marty Burdick and his crew from Turning Stone Casino joined us to explore the diverse fishing that makes Henderson Harbor a prime destination. The mix of fish caught that day was nothing short of remarkable—pike, pickerel, brown trout, and walleye, all filling up the cooler as we worked the waters.

Dockside, the smiles were wide, and cameras clicked away as everyone captured memories of their impressive catches. Throughout the day, I saw the results from other boats pulling into the harbor. Several anglers landed big northern pike from Black River Bay, while another group brought in a healthy mix of pike and walleye from just off Long Point State Park. Not to be outdone, a boat targeting lake trout returned with five beautiful specimens, each over 30 inches, all caught from 120 feet of water southwest of Stony Point.

These are just a few of the incredible experiences that Henderson Harbor has to offer. May is truly a time of abundance here, when both cold-water and warm-water species are available to anglers willing to venture out. The eastern end of Lake Ontario offers the “Best of Both Worlds,” where the diversity of fish ensures something for every type of angler. This spring, join the Henderson Harbor community, cast your lines, and discover why these waters are home to some of the finest fishing in New York.

Original Article By Captain Bill Saiff III

About The Author

Capt. Bill Saiff III owns and operates the Saiff Charter Fleet in Henderson Harbor, NY. For more information, visit the team online at BillSaiffOutdoors.com.

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