Chautauqua Lake Fishing 2003...

This year has been challenging for many of us. Taking a break and getting away from all our daily demands helps refresh the soul. Being close to nature in a rural setting on a great lake does the trick for me. When the going gets tough I go fishing…

I have fished all over the Central United States and Canada and Chautauqua Lake is one of New York ’s best kept secrets. This lake is a favorite spot of mine because it has remained in harmony with nature, unspoiled clean water and abundance in fish species. Natural Springs and Artisan Wells along with a few creeks provide this 18 mile long by one and a half mile wide lake with clean fresh water. Walleye, Musky, Calico, Small and Large Mouth Bass fishing harvest at this lake has never been a disappointment to me. 

Walleye fishing is superior for an inland lake. Even in hot weather I fish for Walleyes and do not have a problem getting limits. If you concentrate in weed edges, using Sonar or Hopkins Spoons you may have to work a little but you well end up with your limit.

My specialty is Large and Small Mouth Bass. For bass fishing I fish weed edges or drop the lure right through the weeds using jig and pigs pork rinds on rubber worms or crawfish imitations for Large Mouths. For Small Mouths you have to know the lake fairly well. Fish rock shores, under water points with twister tails in black on white or jig and pigs. August I fish deep water 18 to 35 or even 40 foot, under water humps and rock piles.

Some of the better spots on the lake are south of the Interstate 86 Bridge. About half a mile down you will see a big silo on the left up on the hill. The water runs from the shore 10 feet to the middle of the lake to a hole that is 18 to 19 feet deep. If you don’t catch fish within a half hour move a little way and try again. In front of the Bell Tower at Chautauqua Institution in front of Prendergast Point on the northern half of the lake are also excellent spots as well.

When weather conditions are stable you can’t beat the weed edges for Bass, Walleye and Jumbo Perch. Walleye’s will average around 1 and a half to 3lbs. As for the five to ten pound fish I believe in Catch and Release...

Fishing the lake and the peaceful rural setting is refreshing but I also enjoy comfort and convenience. We have stayed at a number of places but prefer We Wan Chu Cottages one mile from the Chautauqua Institution. The location is good. The place is well run, clean and friendly. For the fisherman they have just about anything you need. If you are staying at We Wan Chu Cottages boat slips with electric hook ups are provided. If you need to rent boats they have that as well. The Wiemer’s are the owners of We Wan Chu Cottages and you can tell they take pride in their family run business by the way they care for their premises. The Wiemer’s always have the welcome mat out and I highly recommend their cottages and rentals for convenience and comfort. My wife and family all enjoy the swimming beach. The older kids meet friends in the rec. room and at the basketball and volleyball courts. Most evenings we eat out on the deck. After dinner we stroll back down to the lake to enjoy the lake by the Bon Fire. When the stars are bright and the lake is still all your troubles seem to melt away. 

In September and October the Water Temperature is cooling down and now is the time to fish open water over weeds, rocks and points.  I use surface lures on Twich Baits, Spoons, Live Bait, Crawfish and Chubs. “Off Season” has some of the best fishing. Week and Weekend package rentals are available. Check it out you won’t be sorry.

Don't forget what a lot of people consider "Off - Season" from mid-April thru June 1st and September thru the end of October.   This is the time the lake is most productive, the Cottage Rates are lower, and you can really enjoy the quiet, rural beauty of the area.  Plan ahead, check availability, and get a deposit in.  Now you can anticipate the trip you have been dreaming about.  You won't be sorry you chose We Wan Chu Cottages with it's great setup and location.

Please Practice Catch and Release.  Be good to the lakes and they will be good to us for years to come.

Ray Terhart

Brunswick, OH

Ray Terhart and his Family & Group of Fishermen are some of the Best Fishermen that Visit us here at We Wan Chu Cottages. That is why I asked him as well, to submit a "Fishing Letter" for our Web Site... Enjoy... 

Peter Wiemer
Manager / Partner
12/15/03