Fishing

Fishing In Chautauqua County

Deep Water Angling, Tributary Streams and Inland Lakes

Named the #3 Best Bass Lake in the Northeastern US by Bassmaster Magazine (July 2024), Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes. Bass are found along the entire New York shoreline, with hotspots along rocky drop-offs in 15 to 35 feet of water. Fishing on Lake Erie, anglers can enjoy year-round bass fishing opportunities. The eastern basin of Lake Erie is also well-known for trophy-size walleye (8-10 lbs) found in deeper waters with local tournament winners often exceeding 11 lbs. Lake Erie's tributary streams, known collectively as “Steelhead Alley,” receive an annual run of migratory rainbow trout called "steelhead." From October through April, thousands of steelhead ascend Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Canadaway, and 18-Mile Creeks on their mission to spawn. For the sportsman, excellent fly-fishing opportunities await.

 

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Go fishing on inland lakes including Chautauqua, Findley, Cassadaga and Bear Lakes. Chautauqua Lake, ranked #21 Best Bass Lake in the Northeast by Bassmaster (June 2023), offers exceptional fishing for walleye, bass, muskellunge and several species of panfish. Findley Lake’s abundant beds of aquatic vegetation provide angling for a variety of sportfish and panfish, while the three interconnected lakes of Cassadaga provide angling for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge and panfish. The smallest of the County’s inland lakes, known as a kettle lake, Bear Lake's shoreline is predominantly wetland, providing excellent habitat for bass and other predator and prey fish.

For online license renewals and license sales visit the NYS Portal Online.  Visit NYS DEC for regulation and licensing information, as well as specifics on season dates.

New to fishing? Check out the I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing.

If you are interested in participating in Fishing Tournaments , there are several offered in the area. 

View current Fishing Conditions for Lake Erie and Chautauqua County waterways. Reports provided weekly by NYS DEC.

Fishing & Lake Maps are available for all local lakes and waterways. 

 

Alberto Rey, Orvis Guide Service
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find that your guide will accommodate your needs and choose locations appropriate to your skill level. All equipment, flies and instruction are provided as part of your guide…
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Bear Lake
Bear Lake is located north of the Village of Stockton and is the smallest of Chautauqua County’s five lakes. The lake formed several thousand years ago when huge blocks of melting glacial ice dotted the landscape, and…
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Cassadaga Lakes
Cassadaga Lakes is comprised of three interconnecting glacial lakes, Upper Cassadaga Lake, Middle Cassadaga Lake and Lower Cassadaga Lake. These waters are home to great fishing and wildlife spotting opportunities. Fish…
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Chautauqua Fishing Charters
Tight Lines! Whether you were raised on Chautauqua Lake or are a first-time visitor; a skilled fisherman or a novice; in the hunt for a monster muskie or a great day with the grandkids; or anything in between -- we've got you…
Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua Lake is a popular inland lake for recreation including boating, sailing, paddle sports and fishing. The lake is 17 miles long and up to 2 miles wide at its widest point. Public boat launches are located at…
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City Pier Park - Dunkirk Harbor
Enjoy Lake Erie fishing, a boat launch, and picnic facilities at City Pier Park - Dunkirk Harbor. Located on the lakefront of Lake Erie, this city park is open all year and features Music on the Pier and more great events all…
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Dan Reed Pier Park
Enjoy Lake Erie fishing, boating, sightseeing and more at Dan Reed Pier Park in Barcelona Harbor. The Harbor Master’s office sells season passes, daily launch tickets and overnight passes and opens at daybreak from…
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Eerie Eyes Sport Fishing Charters
Exciting Lake Erie charter fishing out of beautiful Barcelona and Dunkirk Harbors in Chautauqua County, New York. On Eerie Eyes Charters, you will have the opportunity to actually fish, participating from the initial setup to…
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Findley Lake DEC Launch Ramp
Public access for launching of boats and canoes is provided at two sites at the north tip of the lake on Route 426/430, in the Village of Findley Lake. One launch is operated by the DEC and is for hand launching only with…
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Hanover Town Boat and Kayak Launch
Located on Cattaraugus Creek in Sunset Bay off Ann Street, the boat launch opens for weekends in May and everyday during the summer months of June, July, and August. The season continues on weekends throughout the fall as…
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Hogan's Hut
Located conveniently on Chautauqua Lake in the beautiful town of Stow, New York, Hogan's Hut General Store is your one-stop shop for anything you'll need while enjoying the many activities that the surrounding region has to…
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Infinity Charters, LLC
We provide the tackle and expertise so our trips are perfect for both the beginner or experienced anglers.  Family groups are welcome and we enjoy seeing people land their biggest or first fish.  We focus on having…
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Lake Erie
Nearly 50 miles of Lake Erie shoreline makes up Chautauqua County’s northwestern border. It is the warmest and most biologically productive of the Great Lakes and accounts for roughly 50% of the total fish population in…
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Lucille Ball Memorial Park
A village park located in Lucy's hometown, featuring a lighthouse, public boat launches and docks, playground, picnic tables & shelter, ball field, basketball courts, accessible boardwalk perfect for sightseeing or…
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Midway State Park
Located on the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake, Midway State Park is a family treasure. Originally established in 1898 as a trolley park, Midway State Park is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the…
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Muddy Creek Fishing Guides
Fishing Guide Service for Chautauqua Lake Musky Trips. Our boats are fully equipped with updated electronics, fish handling tools, and safety equipment. We will provide all appropriate bait and tackle for your trip. Fully…
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NYS Boat Ramp, Bear Lake
Public access for the hand launching of small boats and canoes is provided at a NYSDEC operated site, located on Bear Lake Road north of the Village of Stockton. The parking lot has a 10 car capacity. ADA Accessible Kayak…
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Silver Creek Boat and Kayak Launch
Located on Jackson Street on the south shores of Lake Erie at Walnut Creek in the Town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York. It is near where Route 5 (Central Ave) and Route 20 (Main Street) intersect. The Walnut Creek…
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Sunset Bay State Marine Park
Sunset Bay State Marine Park is located on Cattaraugus Creek near the river's mouth with easy access onto Lake Erie. The park has modest accommodations for boaters, picnickers and anglers. The site has been designed to be…
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Westfield Charters Bait & Tackle
Westfield Charters is located at Monroe's Marina, 8241 1st Street, Westfield, NY 14787 in Barcelona Harbor.  Westfield Charters is a full service fishing charter available for full or half day trips on Eastern Lake Erie.…
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Bait & Tackle Shops in Chautauqua County
Barcelona Market & Cafe
Address: 8246 Route 5
Phone: 716.326.4500
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tackle-box
Bill's Hooks
Address: 5139 W. Lake Road
Phone: 716.366.0268
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tackle-box
Cassadaga Shur Fine
Address: 8038 NY-60
Phone: 716.595.3232
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Bait & Tackle Shops in Chautauqua County
Harper's Bait & Tackle
Address: 23 Fluvanna Avenue
Phone: 716.450.8627
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Bait & Tackle Shops in Chautauqua County
Miller's Bait & Tackle
Address: 12707 Allegany Ave.
Phone: 716.934.2377
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tackle-box
Spectacular Sports Center
Address: 125 W Main Street
Phone: 716-569-5114
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tackle-box
Wal Mart - Fredonia
Address: 10401 Route 60
Phone: 716.679.3150
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tackle-box
Wal Mart - Lakewood
Address: 350 E Fairmount Ave
Phone: 716.763.0945
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