What Cedar Beach Creek offers and when to fish it

Cedar Beach Creek is a tidal estuary on Long Island's North Shore in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County. The creek holds striped bass year-round, with the strongest fishing from April through October when water temperatures support active feeding. Largemouth bass and blue crabs also inhabit the system, and the creek connects to larger bays that hold fluke and weakfish during summer months.

Access is limited and seasonal. The creek runs through residential areas and private property, with public fishing restricted to a small launch area near Cedar Beach Road. Parking is tight and often fills on weekends. The creek itself is shallow—averaging 4 to 8 feet at high tide—which makes it ideal for sight-casting to striped bass in spring and fall but can be impassable at low tide in some sections.

The creek's real advantage is that it sees far less pressure than nearby Great South Bay or Hempstead Harbor. Local anglers who know the tidal patterns and structure can find consistent striped bass, especially around the deeper holes near the mouth where the creek meets the bay system.

Key Takeaways

  • Cedar Beach Creek holds striped bass year-round, with peak fishing April through October when water temperatures are warmest.
  • Public access is limited to a small launch area near Cedar Beach Road; arrive early on weekends because parking fills quickly.
  • The creek is shallow and tidal, so plan your fishing around high tide when deeper channels are navigable.
  • Largemouth bass, blue crabs, and seasonal fluke and weakfish are also present, making the creek productive for multiple species.
  • A New York State fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and older.

Access and parking at Cedar Beach Creek

Public access to Cedar Beach Creek is confined to a small parking area and boat launch near Cedar Beach Road in Hempstead. This is the only reliable entry point for anglers without private property access. The lot holds roughly 15 to 20 vehicles on a typical day, and it fills by mid-morning on Saturdays and Sundays during the spring and fall fishing seasons.

There is no fee to launch or park, but there are no facilities—no restrooms, no water, no shade structures. Arrive before 8 a.m. if you plan to fish a weekend day during peak season. If the lot is full, there is no overflow parking nearby, and street parking in the residential area is not practical.

The launch itself is a concrete ramp suitable for small boats, kayaks, and canoes. The ramp can be muddy at low tide, and the approach is narrow, so launching during slack water or high tide is easier. A hand-carry launch is possible from the beach area if you have a kayak or small skiff, but the ramp is the standard route.

Tides, water depth, and seasonal conditions

Cedar Beach Creek is entirely tidal, and water depth changes dramatically between high and low tide. At high tide, the creek reaches 6 to 10 feet in the main channel, with deeper holes near the mouth where it opens to the bay. At low tide, much of the creek becomes impassable, with exposed mud flats and only shallow channels remaining. Plan your fishing around high tide or the two hours before and after it.

Spring tides (the highest highs and lowest lows) occur around the new and full moon each month. During spring tides, the creek drains almost completely at low tide, concentrating fish in the deepest holes. This can make fishing more predictable if you time it right, but it also means you must leave before the tide turns or risk being stranded in shallow water.

Water temperature drives seasonal patterns. From April through May, water warms from the 50s to the 60s, triggering striped bass spawning runs and aggressive feeding. Summer (June through August) brings warm water and lower oxygen levels in the shallower sections, pushing fish toward the mouth and deeper holes. Fall (September through October) cools the water back into the 60s and 50s, and striped bass feed heavily before winter. Winter fishing is possible but slow; water temperatures drop to the 40s, and fish move to the deepest holes or leave the creek entirely.

Striped bass fishing techniques and timing

Striped bass are the primary target in Cedar Beach Creek. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action. In spring (April and May), fish move into the creek to spawn and feed heavily on small baitfish. Sight-casting to cruising fish in shallow water is effective if you can spot them—polarized sunglasses and a clear morning are essential. Live shiners, small eels, and soft plastic shads in the 3- to 5-inch range work well. Cast near structure: fallen trees, pilings, and the deeper edges where shallow flats meet the channel.

Summer fishing is slower but not impossible. Fish retreat to the deepest holes and the mouth of the creek where water is cooler and better oxygenated. Early morning and late evening produce better results than midday. Eels and live baitfish are more effective than artificials in summer heat.

Fall (September and October) brings another strong bite as water cools and fish feed aggressively before winter. The same techniques that work in spring—sight-casting, small shads, structure-focused casting—are effective again. Fish are often larger in fall, having spent the summer feeding.

Winter fishing (November through March) is slow. Fish either leave the creek or hold in the deepest holes near the mouth. If you fish in winter, focus on these deep areas and use live eels or shiners. Success is inconsistent, and many local anglers skip winter and return in spring.

Largemouth bass and other species

Largemouth bass inhabit the shallower, weedier sections of Cedar Beach Creek, especially in the upper reaches where freshwater influence is stronger. They are smaller than the striped bass—typically 12 to 16 inches—but they are present year-round. Spring and fall are best. Fish the edges of marsh grass, fallen trees, and shallow coves with soft plastics, topwater lures, or small crankbaits.

Blue crabs are abundant in the creek and are a food source for striped bass, but they are also a target for recreational crabbers. Hand lines and small nets are common in summer. Regulations require a New York State fishing license for crabbing as well.

Fluke and weakfish move into the creek and nearby bays during summer (June through August) as water warms. These are secondary targets for most anglers, but they can be caught on small shrimp, squid, or soft plastics near the mouth of the creek where it opens to the bay.

Regulations and licensing requirements

All anglers age 16 and older must have a valid New York State fishing license to fish Cedar Beach Creek. Licenses are available online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, at sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish infrequently.

Striped bass have specific size and bag limits that change annually. As of recent regulations, the minimum size is 18 inches, and the daily bag limit is one fish per angler. These rules can change, so check the DEC website or call the DEC Region 1 office in Stony Brook before you fish. Possession limits and seasonal closures also apply to some species.

The creek itself has no special restrictions beyond state-wide rules. No motors are allowed in certain sections, but the launch area and main channel are open to small motorboats. Check local signage at the launch for any temporary closures or restrictions.

Bait and tackle shops near Cedar Beach Creek

Several bait and tackle shops serve the Hempstead area and are within 10 to 15 minutes of Cedar Beach Creek. Local shops stock live shiners, eels, squid, and shrimp, as well as soft plastics and other artificial lures. They also carry current information about water conditions, recent catches, and any changes to regulations or access.

Calling ahead is wise, especially on weekends, to confirm they have the bait you need. Eels and live shiners can sell out during peak season. Many shops also offer advice on current conditions and what techniques are working—this local knowledge is often more valuable than any guide or article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Cedar Beach Creek from shore?

Shore fishing is limited. The creek runs through residential areas and private property, so access points are few. The launch area near Cedar Beach Road has a small beach where you can fish, but it is not ideal. Most anglers use boats or kayaks to reach productive water.

Do I need a boat to fish Cedar Beach Creek?

A boat is not required, but it is helpful. Kayaks and canoes are popular and give you access to more of the creek than shore fishing allows. Small motorboats and skiffs work well for reaching the deeper holes near the mouth. Hand-carry launches are possible if you have a kayak.

What is the best time of year to fish Cedar Beach Creek?

April through May and September through October are the most productive months for striped bass. Water temperatures are ideal, fish are actively feeding, and the weather is pleasant. Summer can be slow, and winter is rarely worth the effort.

Are there any seasonal closures at Cedar Beach Creek?

The creek itself has no seasonal closure, but striped bass regulations may include seasonal restrictions. Check the New York DEC website for current rules before you fish, as regulations change annually.

What should I bring to fish Cedar Beach Creek?

Bring polarized sunglasses, a fishing license, live bait or artificial lures, a net, and a cooler with ice. The launch area has no facilities, so bring water and snacks. A tide table or tide app is essential for planning your trip around high water.