The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (steep ledge) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua County, New York · 13,400 acres (21 sq mi)
49°F water, level falling, calm Sunday afternoon.
About Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua Lake spreads over 13,400 acres in Chautauqua County, New York. It sits on the Chadakoin River. Chautauqua Lake drains south via the Chadakoin River toward the Allegheny River rather than toward the Great Lakes.
It stretches about 13 miles end to end with roughly 48 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,310 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 44 ft, with an average depth near 26 ft. Lakewood is on the shore. Erie, the nearest city, is about 31 miles west.
- Size
- 13,400 acres (21 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 44 ft (average 26 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 48 miles
- End to end
- About 13 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,310 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- River
- Chadakoin River
- County
- Chautauqua County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Fair
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 8 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 mph
Sunday Good
- 7:00 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 8 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 8 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua Lake holds walleye, muskie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. At 49°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodMuskie
Fall feed. Big baits along weed edges and breaks.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Steep ledge
A sharp wall beside deep water; fish hang along the edge at the depth they like.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
Falling 0.4 ft in 7 days.
Latest reading .
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:05 am · sunset 4:57 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Chautauqua Lake
- Lakewoodon the shore
- Celoronon the shore
- Jamestownon the shore
- Mayvilleon the shore
- Erienearest city, about 31 mi west
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Chautauqua Lake
What fish are in Chautauqua Lake?
Chautauqua Lake holds walleye, muskie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Chautauqua Lake?
About 44 ft at the deepest point, about 26 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Chautauqua Lake?
13,400 acres, with about 48 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Chautauqua Lake?
Lakewood is on the shore.
What is the water temperature at Chautauqua Lake today?
The surface was about 49°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Chautauqua Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
