Lake Erie Charter Fishing
Anglers from all over travel to Chautauqua County for access to Lake Erie charter fishing in the eastern basin, home to some of the best small and largemouth bass, walleye, and trout fishing the country has to offer. Lake Erie's shoreline between Dunkirk and Irving, NY was named one of the Best Bass Lake in the Northeastern U.S, by Bassmaster Magazine. Bass are found along the entire New York shoreline with hotspots concentration around lock dropoffs in 15 to 35 feet of water. Anglers can enjoy an early bass season on Lake Erie. The eastern basin of Lake Erie is well-known for trophy-size walleye (8-10 lbs) found in deeper waters. Tournament winners often exceed 11 lbs! See a full list of Lake Erie fishing regulations and fishing seasons here.
Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes, making for quickly changing conditions. Lean on the expertise of area sport fishing guides, many of whom have years of experience and a happy to share the wisdom that could help land the catch of a lifetime.
Fly Fishing in Steelhead Alley
Lake Erie's tributary stream received an annual run of migratory rainbow trout called "steelhead." From October through April, this area transforms into the renowned Steelhead Alley as thousands of trout ascend Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Canadaway, Silver, and Walnut Creeks on their mission to spawn. Barcelona and Dunkirk Harbors also typically offer both steelhead and brown trout angling activity. Excellent fly-fishing opportunities await in Chautauqua County! Learn more about Steelhead fishing in Lake Erie Tributaries here.
A Variety of Prey in Inland Lakes
Among local inland lakes, Chautauqua Lake has exceptional fishing for walleye, bass, muskellunge and several species of panfish. It also ranked as one of the Best Bass Lake in the Northeast by Bassmaster Magazine. The shallow, weedy areas and docks of Chautauqua Lake offer exceptional cover for largemouth bass and both boaters and shore anglers do best by waiting to ambush prey. Get up-to-date fishing conditions for Chautauqua Lake on the DEC website.
Findley Lake's beds of aquatic vegetation provide habitat for a variety of sportfish and panfish, while the three interconnected lakes of Cassadaga provide angling opportunities for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, and panfish. Bear Lake's shoreline is predominantly wetland, providing excellent habitat for bass and other predator and prey fish.
Learn more about fishing regulations in Western NY here.
The Fish of a Thousand Casts: Musky
Chautauqua Lake specifically is recognized as a world-class muskellunge fishery, with many fish in the 40-50-inch class caught each year. Better catch numbers tend to come from shallower areas along weed edges, where trolling or drifting and castings are both effective methods. Several fishing guides specialize in musky outings on Chautauqua Lake. They are experts at navigating local waters and all work very hard to make each anglers' trip as memorable and enjoyable as possible.
Chautauqua's musky population is supported by an annual stocking of 13,000 fall fingerlings (8.5 to 9 inches) by the DEC Chautauqua Hatchery at Prendergast Point.
Shore Access Points in Chautauqua County
There are several great places across the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region to fish directly from the shore. Choose a body of water to see DEC and local association-managed access points.
- Chautauqua Lake
- Findley Lake
- Cassadaga Lakes
- Bear Lake
- McCrea Point Park in Jamestown, NY offers access to the Chadakoin River Outlet (Chautauqua Lake.)
- Lake Erie access points include Dunkirk City Pier, Sunset Bay Marine State Park, and Daniel Reed Pier at Barcelona Harbor
For information on accessible fishing piers, platforms, and launches for anglers with disabilities, please click here.
Ice Fishing
Chautauqua County is also a popular "hard water" fishing destination, with anglers seeking walleye and a variety of panfish from the frozen depths of Chautauqua Lake, Findley Lake, Cassadaga Lakes, and Bear Lake.