New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (D.E.C.)
1999 - 2000 Netting and Electro Fishing Survey Results.
New York State D. E. C.'s Chautauqua Lake Homepage...

"Chautauqua Lake Fish Community, 1999-2000"
Written by Paul McKeown - D. E. C. Fisheries Biologist - October, 2000 

Muskellunge:

A total of 346 Adult Muskellunge were collected during the brood stock netting conducted from April 10 to May 3, 2000. This catch equated to 38 fish per net which exceeds the recommended management goal of 28 adult muskellunge per net. Since the historically low catch of 4 fish per net in 1990 the catch has steadily increased and has exceeded the management goal in 8 of the last 10 years. The increased abundance of Muskellunge is attributed directly to changes in the rearing process for fingerlings stocked by Prendergast Hatchery. All Muskellunge stocked in Chautauqua Lake are "finished" in outdoor ponds for approximately 1 ½ months prior to stocking. Past studies have shown that the contribution of hatchery Muskellunge to the adult stock is generally in excess of 85%. Redspot (Aeromonas sp.) wounds continue to manifest themselves on Adult Muskellunge. Approximately 9% of the Muskellunge greater than 32 inches in length had open Redspot wounds. Although Muskellunge can survive Redspot disease (18% of the adult muskellunge had healed wounds), we feel that this disease is a source of mortality for Adult Muskellunge. The Angler Survey completed in 1999 indicated that few Muskellunge were harvested by anglers. The angler creel survey conducted from 1998 to 1999 indicated that 10% of angling boat effort on Chautauqua Lake targeted Muskellunge, and few Muskellunge were harvested by anglers.

Walleye:

Trawling (fall-1999) and electro fishing (fall-1999, fall 2000) indicated that the 1999 and 2000 year classes ("hatches") were poor. Walleye year classes are normally cyclical since strong hatches often cannibalize year classes that follow. The record strong hatch that occurred in 1993 continues to be the major player in fish community changes in Chautauqua Lake. Electro fishing at night in fall, 2000 produced large numbers of the 1993 year class of walleye that ranged in length from 20 to 25 in. Stomachs of Walleye captured in the nets in October had young white perch that were approximately 2-3 inches in length. The Angler Creel Survey conducted from 1998 to 1999 indicated that 41% of angling boat effort on Chautauqua Lake targeted Walleye. During the open water season in 1998, approximately 10,690 Walleye were harvested by anglers. During the ice fishing season 52% of the effort targeted Walleye and approximately 2,022 walleye were harvested.

Electro fishing surveys and analysis of Bass Tournament data indicate that although the yearly abundance of Bass displays natural fluctuations, few Bass exceeding 5 lbs in weight were recorded. The 1998-1999 Angler Survey did not show an excessive harvest but the average length of Largemouth Bass harvested was 14.6 inches. Selective harvest of larger Bass may be contributing to the paucity of trophy Bass in Chautauqua Lake. Signs have been posted by DEC encouraging Anglers to Release Bass and Sportswriters have been asked to promote Catch and Release of Bass. To minimize losses of larger Bass to handling stress during mid-summer, the organized Bass Clubs have been advised to avoid scheduling "weigh-in" Bass Tournaments from July 15 to August 15 at the NYS access sites (Long Point, Prendergast Point, Bemus Point).

Yellow Perch:

Trawl surveys conducted in fall, 1999 indicated an abundance of yearling Yellow Perch (1998 hatch). This age group averaged 5 ½ inches in length entering the winter and now averages about 6 ½ inches. Yellow Perch are the primary forage for Walleye and Muskellunge in Chautauqua Lake and this abundant age group should support good growth for the lake's predators and quality angling as they reach desirable size.

Crappie:

Crappie have been experiencing a decline in abundance since 1979. Crappie historically supported a popular recreational fishery and angler harvest may have contributed to its decline. Additional factors likely influencing Crappie abundance are the increased abundance of Walleye and the unintentional introduction of White Perch. White Perch were first collected in 1987 and were the most abundant fish collected in the experimental gill nets in 1998. Trawl sampling in fall, 1999 indicated a "relatively" strong abundance of yearling Crappie (1998 hatch). This represents the first "relatively" strong hatch since 1988. Although the factors associated with the success of this hatch have not been determined, the extremely abundant 1998 year class of Yellow Perch may have provided a buffer between the Walleye and Crappie.