Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua Lake is in far western New York between Mayville and Jamestown. It is one of the state's best muskellunge lakes and also has good walleye, bass and crappie.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Muskellunge
The lake record musky topped 51 pounds.
Walleye
Troll crankbaits or drift minnows 10 to 20 feet deep near Bemus Point in spring.
Largemouth Bass
Throw topwater frogs and spinnerbaits along weed lines in summer.
Crappie
Cast small jigs with minnows in the shallows during the spring spawn.
Smallmouth Bass
Rock, gravel and points. Tubes, jerkbaits and drop-shots.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Prendergast Point Boat LaunchFreeNYSDEC launch off Route 394 via Prendergast Blvd, west shoreDirections ↗
- Long Point State Park LaunchFeeNY State Parks launch off Route 430 near Bemus Point; park fee in seasonDirections ↗
- Bemus Point State Boat LaunchFreeNYSDEC launch in Bemus Point; rebuilt in late 2025 with new ramp, docks and kayak launchDirections ↗
- McCrea Point ParkPublicCity of Jamestown launch at the south end of the lakeDirections ↗
- Lakewood LaunchPublicVillage of Lakewood public launch on the south basinDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee New York DEC or the lake manager's website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Statewide limits for species in this lake, confirmed from the official state regulations. The state lists no special rule for this lake. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye Season May 1-Mar 15 | 15 in | 5 / day |
| Largemouth Bass Black bass; open Jun 15-Nov 30; catch and release, artificial lures only Dec 1-Jun 14 | 12 in | 5 / day |
| Smallmouth Bass Black bass; open Jun 15-Nov 30; catch and release, artificial lures only Dec 1-Jun 14 | 12 in | 5 / day |
| Muskellunge Season Jun 1-Nov 30 | 40 in | 1 / day |
| Crappie Black and white; all year | 10 in | 25 / day |
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Chautauqua Reel OutdoorsNearby2500 Route 394, Ashville, NY(716) 763-2947Directions ↗
- Hogan's HutNearby3503 Old Bridge Rd, Stow, NY(716) 789-3831Directions ↗
- Chautauqua MarinaNearby104 W Lake Rd, Mayville, NY(716) 753-3913Directions ↗
Local tips
- The north basin is deeper. The south basin is shallower and weedier.
- Fall is a good time for big walleye. Troll crankbaits around rocky points.
- Known spots include the Mayville bar, Bemus Bay, Point Chautauqua and Ashville Bay.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
More New York lakes
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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.