Chautauqua Lake, first time

[TBRMAX]

Hello,

  Was planning a trip to Chautauqua Lake sometime in July. I have never been there as I normally fish the finger lakes. I will be targeting muskys. Requesting info regarding where to launch and which areas in the Lake to target? Not looking for anybody secret spot, just general info.

Thanks!

Max

[zach]

By July both ends of the lake should be kicking out fish. South end is easiest to fish imo bc its shallower, if trolling run 5"-7" baits 6'-12' down over the 12-18' flats 4mph+. Colors like perch, walleye and golds do well in the usually stained water.

North end is deeper often clearer and you need to know how deep your baits are running. Look for suspended fish and fish baits 6'-20' down once again at 4mph+ over the open water. 

Launches at State Park , Bemus or Pendergast will put you in decent musky water.

Good luck, hope water temps and algae bloom are good for your trip. Here's a few Katia got last Saturday on the opener with a 5" Bluegill Baker, we were only able to fish 7-10:30am before engine trouble brought us in.

Edited June 9, 2023 by zach

[TBRMAX]

Thanks for the info, beautiful fish BTW.

Max

[zach]

Fish your primary moontimes and moon rise even if it's middle of the day. I'm a firm believer in them!

Stop into Chautauqua Reel Outdoors, speak with Mike Sperry- buy something even if it's small and start up a conversation. Mike is a great guy who has lived , fished that lake for many years. He will point you in the right direction and can even do half day trips to get ya in the game. 

Absolutely best wishes, hope ya catch a slob and release em right for the rest of us to enjoy! Imo it's better to have a few good baits than 100 baits that you have zero confidence in. Tight lines and don't be afraid to roam 100-200 yards off the weedlines as summer time Muskies under stable conditions love to suspend. One storm or cold front will draw them back into the safety of the weeds making casting more productive. 

May also want to try just south of the State Launch down about 200 yards where the NYS Chapter 69 Musky Club just put in 10 4' wooden fish cribs in 12-14' fow heading south in a straight line (many thx to all those involved). Sure they will hold some fish as we saw muskies swimming around them just after dropping them in. 

 

Edited June 9, 2023 by zach

[TBRMAX]

Thanks for all the details. Really looking forward to meeting that lake.

Max