THE 5 BEST FISHING SPOTS IN ROCHESTER, NY

A few months ago, I was standing on the banks of the Genesee River and I realized something.

I hadn't thought about work in two hours.

Not about the bills. Not about what I should be doing. Not about whether I was "doing life right."

I was just… present.

That's what fishing does. It forces you to slow down long enough to hear yourself think. And in Rochester, we've got some of the best water in the country to do exactly that.

Whether you're brand new to fishing or you've been casting lines your whole life, these 5 spots will give you exactly what you're looking for—not just good fishing, but a reset.

Let's dive in.

1. The Genesee River (Lower Falls to Turning Point Park)

GPS Coordinates: 43.1566° N, -77.6160° W

Target Species: Steelhead, Brown Trout, Salmon

Best Time: Fall (September-November) for salmon runs; Spring (March-May) for steelhead

Why This Spot:

The Genesee is Rochester's backyard fishing playground. The stretch from Lower Falls down to Turning Point Park gives you access to world-class steelhead and salmon fishing without needing a boat.

Here's what most people don't know: the best fishing isn't always at the falls themselves. Walk downstream about 200 yards to where the current slows—that's where steelhead stage before their upstream push.

Techniques That Work:

• Drift fishing with spawn bags or egg sacks

• Float fishing with jigs (pink or chartreuse in stained water)

• Fly fishing with egg patterns or woolly buggers

Pro Tip: Get there before sunrise. Not just because the fishing is better (it is), but because there's something about watching the sun come up over the gorge that makes you remember why you're alive.

Access: Park at Turning Point Park (free) or Lower Falls Park. The trail along the river is well-maintained but can get slippery—wear boots with good traction.

2. Lake Ontario (Rochester Piers & Tributaries)

GPS Coordinates: 43.2704° N, -77.6243° W (Rochester Pier)

Target Species: King Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Trout, Brown Trout

Best Time: Spring and Fall (April-May, September-October)

Why This Spot:

Lake Ontario is one of the Great Lakes, and the fishing here is absolutely ridiculous. We're talking 20-30 pound king salmon, chrome steelhead, and trophy brown trout.

The Rochester pier gives you shore access to deep water where big fish cruise. During salmon runs, you'll see hundreds of fish stacked up at the pier waiting to push into the tributaries.

Techniques That Work:

• Casting spoons (Little Cleo, Kastmaster) from the pier

• Bottom bouncing with spawn bags

• Float fishing in tributary mouths (Braddock Bay, Salmon Creek)

What You Need to Know:

Lake Ontario fishing can be technical. The fish are there, but they're not always easy. If you're new, start at the pier during peak salmon season (late September). You'll see other anglers—don't be afraid to ask what's working. Fishermen are more helpful than you'd think.

Access: Rochester Pier is easy to access, free parking. Get there early during peak season—it fills up fast.

3. Oak Orchard Creek (Waterport to Lake Ontario)

GPS Coordinates: 43.3466° N, -78.2347° W

Target Species: Steelhead, Salmon, Brown Trout

Best Time: Fall (September-November) and Spring (March-April)

Why This Spot:

Oak Orchard is one of the most productive tributaries feeding Lake Ontario. When fish are running, this creek is absolutely electric. I've seen days where you can see 50+ steelhead holding in a single pool.

It's about a 40-minute drive from Rochester, but it's worth every mile.

Techniques That Work:

• Fly fishing with egg patterns, nymphs, or streamers

• Drift fishing with floats and jigs

• Centerpin fishing (if you're experienced)

What Makes Oak Orchard Special:

The access. There are multiple public fishing access points along the creek, and the New York State DEC stocks it heavily. You're fishing alongside people who've been doing this for 40 years and guys who just bought their first rod last week. Everyone's welcome.

Access: Park at the DEC access points (free). The most popular spots are near the Route 98 bridge and the lower section near the marina.

Word of Caution: Oak Orchard gets CROWDED during peak runs. If you want space, fish weekdays or get there at first light.

4. Irondequoit Bay

GPS Coordinates: 43.2129° N, -77.5369° W

Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Panfish

Best Time: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)

Why This Spot:

If you want to fish close to Rochester without dealing with crowds or complicated techniques, Irondequoit Bay is your answer. This is where I take guys who've never fished before.

The bay is shallow, weedy, and absolutely loaded with bass. You can fish from shore, launch a kayak, or rent a boat from the marina. It's accessible, forgiving, and fun.

Techniques That Work:

• Topwater lures (poppers, buzzbaits) in the morning

• Soft plastics (worms, creature baits) around weed edges

• Spinnerbaits in open water

Why I Love This Spot:

It's not about trophy fish here. It's about slowing down, enjoying the day, and catching enough action to keep things interesting. I've brought guys here who were burnt out, overwhelmed, just going through the motions—and after three hours on the water, they're laughing, present, alive again.

Access: Multiple launch points. Irving Pier and Irondequoit Bay Marine Park are the most popular. Parking is free.

5. Honeoye Lake (Finger Lakes Region)

GPS Coordinates: 42.7738° N, -77.5106° W

Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Walleye

Best Time: Spring and Fall (April-June, September-October)

Why This Spot:

Honeoye is the smallest of the Finger Lakes but don't let that fool you—it's packed with fish. It's about 45 minutes south of Rochester and feels like a different world.

The shoreline is dotted with cottages, the water is clear, and the fishing is excellent. This is where I go when I need to completely disconnect.

Techniques That Work:

• Jigging for perch and walleye in deeper water (20-30 feet)

• Casting crankbaits for bass around structure

• Drop-shotting soft plastics for suspended fish

What You Need to Know:

Honeoye is best fished from a boat or kayak. Shore access is limited, but if you've got a small boat or kayak, this lake is absolutely worth the drive.

Access: Public boat launch at Sandy Bottom Park (small fee). If you don't have a boat, you can rent kayaks or canoes from local outfitters.

Here's the Thing About Fishing:

It's not really about the fish.

I mean, yeah, catching fish is great. But what fishing actually does is give you permission to be still. To stop running. To remember what it feels like to just breathe.

Most of us spend our entire lives moving so fast we forget to be present. We're overwhelmed at work, disconnected at home, going through the motions. Fishing forces you to slow down long enough to hear God in the quiet.

And when you do that—when you're standing in the Genesee at sunrise, or watching your line drift through a pool at Oak Orchard—something shifts. You remember who you are. You remember what actually matters.

That's why I started Wayfound Outdoors. Not just to teach guys how to fish, but to give them space to reconnect with themselves, with God, and with other men who get it.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you've never fished before, or if it's been years, I've put together a complete 29-page guide to Rochester's best fishing spots. It includes:

✓ GPS coordinates for all 5 locations
✓ Seasonal patterns (when to fish where)
✓ Complete gear lists
✓ Proven techniques that actually work
✓ Regulations and access information

[Download Your Free Rochester Fishing Guide Here →]

And if you're feeling that pull—like maybe there's more for you than what you're currently living—check out The Grounded Man Challenge. It's a 30-day program that combines faith, brotherhood, and outdoor adventure to help you break free from burnout and rediscover who you were made to be.

[Learn About The Grounded Man Challenge →]

You weren't made to do this alone. Let's get you on the water.

— Jared

SOURCES CITED:

• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) - Fish Stocking Data: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7739.html

• Lake Ontario fishing reports and seasonal patterns: Rochester Fishing Reports 2024-2025

• Genesee River access and regulations: Monroe County Parks Department