Fishing

Named the #3 Best Bass Lake in the Northeastern US by Bassmaster Magazine (July 2024) and Best Lake in the County by the USA Today Reader's Choice Awards (June 2026), Lake Erie is a top choice for fishing and boating fun. 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.

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.