What First Creek Offers

First Creek is a small, cold-water stream in the Southern Tier region of New York, roughly 15 miles south of Ithaca near the town of Trumansburg. It holds smallmouth bass and brook trout, making it a destination for anglers who want to avoid the crowds on larger regional waters like Cayuga Lake or the Susquehanna River. The creek runs through a mix of public and private land, and access points are limited but real — you can fish here without a guide or special permission if you know where to enter.

The water is clear and relatively shallow, rarely deeper than 4 feet in most pools. Current is moderate, and the streambed is rocky with some silt in slower sections. First Creek is best in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), when water temperatures favor both trout and smallmouth. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday heat can slow the bite.

Key Takeaways

  • First Creek holds smallmouth bass and brook trout year-round, with peak fishing in spring and fall when water temperatures are coolest.
  • Public access exists at a few informal pull-offs along Route 96, though parking is limited and you should fish early to avoid conflicts with landowners.
  • A New York State fishing license is required; no special permit or daily fee applies to First Creek itself.
  • Smallmouth respond to small spinners, soft plastics, and live crayfish; trout take small nymphs, dry flies, and live insects.
  • Water levels fluctuate with rainfall, and the creek can become too high and turbid to fish after heavy storms.

Access and Parking

First Creek runs roughly parallel to Route 96 for about 3 miles, and informal access points exist where the road comes close to the water. The most reliable entry is near the bridge at the northern end of the creek, where a small pull-off allows parking for two or three vehicles. From there, you can walk downstream or upstream; downstream is generally more productive because the water is deeper and slower.

Parking is tight, and the area sees local traffic. Arrive early — before 8 a.m. on weekends — to secure a spot and to avoid the appearance of trespassing. Some sections of the creek run through private land, and while the creek itself is public water, landowners can restrict access across their property. Stick to the streambed and avoid climbing the banks or crossing fenced areas.

If the main pull-off is full, do not park along Route 96 itself. Instead, drive south to Trumansburg and ask at local bait shops or the town office for current access information; conditions and landowner tolerance can shift seasonally.

What Species Live Here and When to Fish

Smallmouth bass are the most abundant fish in First Creek. They range from 6 to 12 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 14 inches. Smallmouth prefer rocky structure and current breaks, so focus on the outside bends of the creek and the deeper pools below small ledges. They feed year-round but are most active in spring and fall.

Brook trout are present but less numerous than smallmouth. They tend to hold in the coldest, fastest water — usually in the upper sections of the creek or in deep pools with shade. Brook trout in First Creek average 7 to 10 inches. They are most reliable in April and May, when water temperatures are in the 50s, and again in September and October.

Summer fishing is possible but requires early starts. Fish from dawn until 9 a.m., then return in the evening after 6 p.m. Midday water temperatures can exceed 70 degrees, which stresses trout and slows smallmouth feeding. Winter fishing is slow; the creek does not freeze solid, but fish are lethargic and concentrated in the deepest pools.

Tackle and Techniques

For smallmouth, small spinners (size 1 or 2) in silver or gold work well in clear water. Soft plastic tubes and crawdad imitations in 2- to 3-inch lengths are effective when cast upstream and retrieved slowly along the bottom. Live crayfish, if you can find them, are the most reliable bait — fish them under a small split shot in deeper pools.

Fly fishing for trout is productive, especially with small nymphs (size 14 to 18) in olive, brown, or black. Dry flies work in late morning and evening, particularly small caddis patterns. If you are not a fly angler, a light spinning rod with 4-pound test and small live insects — mayfly nymphs or caddis larvae — will catch trout consistently.

Use light tackle throughout. First Creek is narrow and overgrown in places, and heavy rods will tangle in branches. A 5- to 6-foot spinning rod or a 7- to 8-foot fly rod is ideal. Wading is necessary; wear felt-soled boots or wading shoes because the rocks are slippery and algae-covered.

Regulations and Licensing

New York State requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license, a seven-day license, or an annual license through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website or at any authorized vendor in the region. The license is inexpensive and covers all public waters in the state.

First Creek has no special restrictions beyond standard New York regulations. Trout season runs year-round, with no closed season. Smallmouth bass season is open year-round as well. There are no daily catch limits specific to First Creek, but New York's general regulations apply: check the current DEC fishing guide for any statewide bag limits or size restrictions that may have changed.

No special permit or daily fee is required to fish First Creek itself. The creek is public water, and access is free.

Water Conditions and Seasonal Timing

First Creek is spring-fed and stays relatively cold, but water levels are highly dependent on rainfall. After heavy rain, the creek can rise 2 to 3 feet and become turbid (cloudy) for 24 to 48 hours. Fishing is poor during and immediately after high water; wait for the creek to clear and drop before making the trip.

Spring (April through May) is the best season. Water temperatures are in the 50s, trout are active, and smallmouth are feeding after winter. The creek is usually at a good level, and access is easiest because vegetation has not yet overgrown the banks.

Fall (September through October) is the second-best window. Water cools again, and both species feed heavily in preparation for winter. By late October, water temperatures drop into the 40s, and fishing slows. Winter is slow and difficult; summer is possible but requires early starts and patience.

Nearby Alternatives if First Creek is Crowded or Unfishable

If First Creek is too high, too turbid, or too crowded, the Susquehanna River is about 20 miles south and offers larger smallmouth and walleye. Cayuga Lake, 10 miles north, holds lake trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth, though it requires a boat or access to a public launch.

Enfield Creek, a tributary of Cayuga Lake about 8 miles north of First Creek, is smaller and less known. It holds brook trout and is a good alternative when First Creek is unfishable. Access is limited but possible near the town of Enfield.

For pure trout fishing, Buttermilk Creek (near Ithaca) and the upper reaches of the Tioughnioga River (south of Cortland) are both within an hour's drive and offer more consistent trout populations, though they are more heavily fished.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special permit to fish First Creek?

No. A New York State fishing license is all you need. There is no daily fee, no special permit, and no reservation system for First Creek. Buy a license online or at any bait shop, and you can fish the same day.

Can I fish First Creek in winter?

Yes, but it is slow. The creek does not freeze solid, and fish are present, but they are concentrated in the deepest pools and feed infrequently. Spring and fall are far more productive.

What is the best time of day to fish First Creek?

Early morning (dawn to 9 a.m.) and evening (after 6 p.m.) are best, especially in summer. Midday heat slows the bite. In spring and fall, fishing is good throughout the day, but early morning still produces the most consistent results.

Is First Creek good for beginners?

Yes. The creek is small, easy to wade, and holds fish that are not heavily pressured. Smallmouth are forgiving and will take simple spinners and soft plastics. The main challenge is finding parking and respecting private land boundaries.

What should I do if the creek is too high to fish?

Wait 24 to 48 hours for the water to clear and drop. Check the USGS stream gauge for First Creek online to see if levels are falling. If you cannot wait, drive to the Susquehanna River or Cayuga Lake, which are less affected by local rainfall.