Chautauqua Lake and its tributaries support a variety of fish including large- and small-mouth bass, muskellunge (musky), walleye, yellow and white perch, crappie, brown and yellow bullhead, carp, and rock bass. The lake supports year-round sport fishing with walleye and musky two of the most sought after fish. During winter months when ice forms on the lake, anglers catch walleye and yellow perch. The shallow water and weed beds – especially in the South Basin – provide habitat for the fish as well as places anglers go to fish for walleye.
The New York State DEC produce periodic reports that summarize fish populations in the lake. Two recent reports can be found here and here. Region 9 DEC Fisheries staff recently held two public meetings to share information about the walleye population in Chautauqua Lake. You can read more about this in a Consortium article (LINK HERE).