Guide To Fishing At Chautauqua Lake

AKA: Lake Chautauqua

One of the top bass-fishing lakes in NY, Chautauqua Lake is a 13,000-acre lake in the southwest part of the state, at Chautauqua. There are two basins with over 40 miles of shoreline wrapping this fertile fishery, with plenty of weeds and aquatic vegetation near shore at both ends of the lake.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

The lake supports healthy populations of bass, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch and muskie, and is known for big muskie and quality largemouth and smallmouth bass. Spring and fall are ideal times to fish the shorelines and shallow areas. In summer as the lake warms, many of the fish will move to deeper water. In winter, when the ice is safe, Chautauqua is an excellent ice fishing lake. Walleye, perch and crappie are the popular species through the ice. More than a half dozen boat launch ramps are scattered around the lake, and multiple marinas provide a host of products and services for the boating and fishing visitors. Much of the shoreline is lined with private property, many with boat docks. Anglers wishing to fish from the bank can find access at many areas around the lake, including near boat ramps, parks and camping areas.

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white perch, yellow perch and muskie at Chautauqua Lake in New York.

Primary fish species residing in Chautauqua Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Chautauqua Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Ashville Bay Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
716 763-6676

Boatworks
Rentals: Pontoon boats
716 487-9095

Chautauqua Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
716 753-3913

Holiday Harbor Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
716 484-7175

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lakewood Community Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, south side, off E Terrace Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Long Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Long Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lucille Ball Memorial Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off Dunham Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

McCrea Point Park & Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the far southeast corner of the lake, off Jones and Gifforn Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Prendergast Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Prendergast Blvd, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.