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 Prendergast Point, Bemus Point, Long Point State Park, Lucille Ball Memorial Park, Mayville Lakeside Park, Lakewood, and McCrea Point Park. Learn more about Chautauqua Lake boat launches.
Several marinas offer both speed and power boat rentals, kayak rentals and stand up paddleboard rentals. Anglers travel from all over to participate in walleye, bass and muskellunge fishing tournaments. Guided fishing trips are available. Bassmaster Magazine named Chautauqua Lake the #21 Best Bass Lake in the Northeast (June 2023)
It is speculated that “Chautauqua” (SHəˈtôkwə) means “bag tied in the middle,” “place where fish are taken out,” or “two moccasins tied together.” The reason for the ambiguity is that the name comes from the now-extinct Erie language. The local lore favors “bag tied in the middle,” a reference to the unique shape of the lake, a south and north basin that come nearly together at the halfway point, where the Village of Bemus Point is located and the I-86 Chautauqua County Veteran’s Memorial Bridge.
Sometimes Chautauqua Lake is referred to as the “thumb of the Finger Lakes,” due to its close proximity and perpendicular position, but it’s important to note that it was formed by separate glacial activity and is not associated with the Finger Lakes. Chautauqua Lake sits at an elevation of 1,308 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest navigable lakes in North America.