Twenty-five years ago, mentioning Sodus Bay at the winter sports show circuit was met with blank stares. Most people didn’t know where it was, and even the pronunciation was often confused, with “Sodus” mistakenly being called “Sod-us Bay.” Back then, I’d explain, “Sodus Bay lies on the south shore of Lake Ontario, halfway between Rochester and Syracuse,” but the reaction was always the same—empty, quizzical gazes. Fast forward to today, and that’s all changed. The question no longer is “Where is it?” but rather, “How’s the fishing?” Sodus Bay has gained considerable recognition over the years as a prime fishing destination, drawing anglers from far and wide.
Geography of Sodus Bay, NY: A Rich Habitat for Fishing
Sodus Bay is a sprawling 3,200-acre embayment, with 46 square miles of watershed and 21 miles of shoreline. It is home to three notable islands—LeRoy, Newark, and Eagle—that help define the bay’s unique geography. Unlike the deep, cold waters of the Finger Lakes, Sodus Bay doesn’t boast the same depth, with the deepest sections ranging from just 40 to 45 feet. This shallower depth contributes to the bay’s warm water environment, making it an ideal habitat for a variety of species, particularly warm-water fish. The bay is dotted with islands, coves, points, and channels, creating a dynamic ecosystem where fish thrive.
The bay’s waters are steeped in history, with the indigenous Native American population referring to it as “Silvery Waters” for its shimmering, reflective qualities. Early settlers utilized the bay for both fishing and transportation, setting the stage for the area’s deep connection to angling that persists to this day.
Sodus Bay Fishing: A Diverse and Thriving Fishery
Today, Sodus Bay is known for a wide variety of recreational activities, but fishing remains the area’s dominant pastime. Anglers flock to the bay for its diverse offerings, which range from panfish to pike. Whether casting from the shore or fishing off a boat, Sodus Bay’s varied geography makes it a prime spot for a number of popular freshwater species, including bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, and perch.
Open Season for Sodus Bay Bass Fishing: The Anticipation Builds
Each year, as the bass fishing season approaches, Sodus Bay sees a surge of eager anglers. Opening day of bass season is an event, with the parking lot at Bay Bridge Sport Shop often filled well before the shop opens its doors at 5 a.m. Owner Bill Henner and his morning staff, including Harold Bean, prepare for the flood of anglers, ensuring they have everything needed for a successful day on the water.
As Harold puts it, “When I arrive at 3:30 a.m. on opening day, they’re already waiting.” It’s clear that Sodus Bay has earned a reputation for its excellent bass fishing, drawing both locals and visitors eager to cast their lines into its waters. The excitement and anticipation surrounding the season are palpable, as anglers come prepared with their favorite lures, baits, and rods to chase after the region’s famous bass.
Sodus Bay’s reputation as a premier fishing destination has grown exponentially over the years, and today, it is celebrated not just for its historical significance, but for the rich, diverse fishing experience it offers. Whether you’re after bass, panfish, pike, or just looking to enjoy a day on the water, Sodus Bay remains one of the best-kept secrets for anglers in New York.
Watch The Weeds: Fishing for Largemouth Bass in Sodus Bay
Fishing for largemouth bass in Sodus Bay is relatively straightforward, thanks to the abundant weedlines throughout the bay. These weedbeds provide prime hiding spots for the bass, making them an essential place to target. While the fish are plentiful, anglers often find themselves losing many lures to the thick aquatic vegetation. To overcome this challenge, using weedless lures is key. Weedless frogs, mice, and plastic worms with weedless hooks are excellent choices for navigating through the dense greenery without getting caught.
Tournament bass anglers have had consistent success in Sodus Bay, especially with Zoom Plastics. The popular Wacky Rig is a go-to technique, where a 4 to 6-inch worm is hooked in the middle, letting both ends fall naturally through the water. This method mimics the movement of an injured baitfish, enticing even the most cautious bass. Additionally, Gary Yamamoto plastics are favored by many professional anglers for their natural action and effectiveness in these weedy waters.
What Fish Species Can You Catch in Lake Ontario?
While smallmouth bass are more commonly found in Lake Ontario, they can also be hooked in the Sodus Bay channel, either by boat or from the pier. These fish provide exciting action for anglers and can be targeted in the same way as their larger cousins, the largemouth bass.
However, walleye in Sodus Bay can be elusive. This Wayne County bay isn’t known for being a walleye hot spot, though they are present. Walleye can be notoriously tricky to catch in any body of water, and Sodus Bay is no exception. Worm-tipped jigs are recommended for walleye fishing, especially around the four islands at the north end of the bay, where the fish tend to congregate.
Finding Walleye on the West Side
The west side of Newark Island is one of the best locations to target walleye in Sodus Bay, as it features the right structure and depth for these elusive fish. Another productive area is between the south channel buoy and the cove at Greig Street, though this spot is typically only active during the early evening. It’s important to note that the area near Greig Street can get busy with recreational boaters, especially around a nearby sandbar. For the best chance at success, anglers should fish early in the morning or during the week when boat traffic is lighter.
Rock Bass: A Summer Delight
During the early summer months, rock bass in Sodus Bay become abundant and very aggressive, making them a fun and easy target for anglers. The rock bass bite is typically hot in the early summer, and they can be found in the same areas as walleye, particularly around the south channel buoy and Greig Street. These fish offer a great opportunity for both beginner and seasoned anglers to reel in action-packed catches.
Pike in Sodus Bay: Year-Round Fishing
While pike fishing in Sodus Bay is particularly popular in winter, these predatory fish remain in the bay year-round. Large shiners are the primary bait for capturing pike, with anglers typically fishing near the weedlines using a bobber to keep the bait at the right depth. Pike are known for their aggressive strikes and hard runs, making them an exciting species to target during any season in Sodus Bay. Whether you’re ice fishing or fishing in open water, Sodus Bay remains a prime destination for catching pike.
Proven Pike Waters in Sodus Bay
Thornton Point and Hunter Point are two of the most reliable locations for pike fishing in Sodus Bay. These points, along with Grassy Point on the bay’s south end, consistently attract predator pike throughout the year. These areas are known for their deeper waters, submerged structures, and weed beds that provide prime habitat for pike to hunt and thrive.
For the best chance of landing pike, anglers can cast popular lures like Little Cleos or the iconic red and white Daredevil spoon. These lures are especially effective in the early morning hours when pike are most active, particularly near docks and shoreline structures. The reflective flash of these spoons mimics the movements of small baitfish, drawing in the attention of pike and increasing your chances of a successful catch.
Sodus Bay: Accessible and Productive Fishing
Sodus Bay is an approachable body of water for both seasoned and novice anglers alike. The bay’s diverse ecosystem makes it one of the easiest places to catch fish, regardless of experience level. Whether you’re fishing for bass, pike, walleye, or panfish, nearly every spot on the bay can yield a productive catch. Even with minimal fishing experience, you can enjoy a successful outing in Sodus Bay.
For those new to the area, the Sodus Bay Sport Shop offers a helpful map that details the bay’s key fishing locations, including its points, islands, and popular fishing areas. It’s an excellent resource for familiarizing yourself with the bay and its layout, ensuring you make the most of your time on the water.
Boat Launches and Access Points
There are several boat launches available around Sodus Bay. On the east side of the bay, anglers can launch at the Sodus Bay Sport Shop or other nearby marinas. For those fishing the west side, boaters can use the village boat launch, with parking available off Route 14 or at Warren’s Hook, Line & Sinker on Greig Street, Sodus Point.
Getting to Sodus Bay, NY
Sodus Bay is easily accessible from several major routes. For anglers fishing the west side, it’s located at the north end of Route 14. The south end of the bay can be reached by crossing Old Ridge Road, which runs parallel to Route 104. The east side of the bay is accessible via Lake Bluff Road. Sodus Bay is approximately 20 miles from the New York State Thruway, making it convenient for anglers traveling from nearby areas.
Additional Information About Sodus Bay Fishing
Anglers who wish additional information can visit the Wayne County Tourism web page waynecountytourism.com or contact the office at 1-800-527-5410.
Original Article By Chris Kenyon
About The Author
Chris Kenyon is an outdoor columnist for the Sodus Record-Sun and the Finger Lakes Times and freelances for several publications. He is a member of NYSOWA and AGLOW. He is also the Outdoor Recreational Coordinator for Wayne County Tourism.
