New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (D.E.C.)
1999 Fall Netting Survey Results.
Written by Paul McKeown - D. E. C. Fisheries Biologist - December, 1999 

New York State D. E. C.'s Chautauqua Lake Homepage...

Muskellunge - spring netting indicated that adult muskellunge abundance was slightly above the management objective of 28 fish per trap net.  Red spot disease was present on about 8% of the muskellunge and may be placing somewhat of a "ceiling" on musky abundance.  To minimize the transfer of this disease we have  reduced the stocking recommendation for muskellunge to the equivalent of 10,000 - 8 inch or longer fingerlings per year.  The telemetry study that we completed last year indicated that the larger musky (greater than 40 inches) were suspended off shore over deep water while the smaller musky were usually  associated with the weed beds, either inside or outside.  A surprising number were inside the weed line in water less than 4 feet deep.  The study also showed that as the barometric pressure dropped with a front approaching the musky would move offshore to deeper water.  They would remain there until the front had passed. 

Walleye -  all our data on walleye abundance indicates that ice fishing this winter and open water fishing next year should be good.  This is primarily due to the 1993 hatch that is now anywhere from 18-23 inches in length.  Record catches of this length group were taken this past fall while night electro fishing.  Since water clarity has increased over the past several years, the best walleye fishing is occurring at dawn, dusk and at night. Although our data indicates an abundance of walleye, this index does not always result in good fishing.  These same walleye were legal length in 1998 but because of extremely abundant, age - 0 ( hatch of that year ) white perch and yellow perch they became satiated ( full or gorged ) and showed little interest in striking lures.  My point is that both factors will influence walleye fishing quality, forage abundance (primarily age - 0 white perch and yellow perch) and walleye abundance.  Since we collected few age - 0 white perch or yellow perch, my prediction is that walleye fishing will be good this winter through next spring.  After that it will depend on how abundant the 2000 hatch of white perch and yellow perch is. 

Yellow Perch - very abundant but will average 7 -8 inches or so in length next year.  Yellow perch are the primary forage for walleye and musky in Chautauqua Lake.

Pumpkinseeds and Bluegills - Had been experiencing a long term decline in abundance but netting this year indicates a resurgence of  these species in the 3-5 in lengths.  Should provide good family fishing action within the next couple of years.

Crappie - Netting this year indicated a relatively strong 1997 hatch that should result in an improvement in fishing for this fish in the next few years.  This hatch would reach legal length of 9 in by 2001. This increase in abundance would still be nothing compared to the hey days for this species in the 1960's and 1970's.

Bass - night electro fishing in fall showed good number of bass from 12 to 15 in.  Would like to see more "trophy" bass so we need to push for catch and release-especially for larger bass.  Plastic replicates are available rather than using the actual fish for trophy mounts.  DEC provides "Catch and Release" certificates for fish that meet certain criteria also.

White Perch - adults still abundant but fall netting showed a  decline in abundance of young fish.  Perhaps they fell prey to the abundant walleye!

Carp - DEC  field studies indicate that carp are relatively abundant in Chautauqua Lake but this species avoids most of the sampling gears that are used. Carp in excess of 30 pounds are not uncommon and some individuals exceeding 40 lbs are taken each year. The species is certainly underutilized in Chautauqua Lake and relatively few anglers pursue it. As  water temperatures warm in June, they can be observed "stacking up" along the shoreline in preparation for spawning. Literally hundreds of large carp can be observed along the  shoreline at this time of year, particularly if water clarity is high.

Gizzard shad - none were collected  during netting or electro fishing.  Have not been abundant for several years.