Chautauqua Lake New York Fishing

Chautauqua Lake - Reviewed

If you are an avid fisherman and looking for a new lake to cast your line. Chautauqua Lake just might be the place for you. Come and fish in Chautauqua Lake and you might even see a rainbow or two.

Chautauqua Lake is located in western New York, just east of Erie Pennsylvania, and south of Buffalo New York. The lake is the largest inland lake in western New York. Stretching 17 miles long and 2 miles wide at its widest point, with 42.5 miles of shoreline.

We have lived here since 1989 and consider this our home. We live just two blocks away from the lake and can never get enough of it.

Many fishermen come here to fish for Muskie a North American fresh-water fish, it is the largest fish in the pike family. In the lake, they range from 40 to 50 inches. I've done my share of fishing in Chautauqua Lake, but have never landed a muskie.

Popular Species of Fish in Chautauqua Lake:

• Muskie
• Walleye
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmouth Bass
• Crappie
• Perch
• Bluegill 

The north basin of the lake is 75 ft. at its deepest with an average depth of 25 Ft. The south basin is much shallower at 19 Ft. at its deepest with an average depth of 11 Ft. The south basin with its shallow waters and weedy areas make this the perfect environment for bass fishing.

If ice fishing is for you, here in the winter months you will find many colorful fishing huts over the frozen surface of the lake. As for me, you will find me in the house with a warm blanket during the winter. 

There are many fishing tournaments throughout the year at Chautauqua Lake. Click here for a list of the tournaments and much more do here in Chautauqua Lake Region. Then, make your plans,  pack your gear and bring your boat. Maybe I'll see you on the lake.

Make it a family vacation. Find out here just how much there is to see and do in the Chautauqua Region.

 Following are some of my recipes for the fresh fish of Chautauqua Lake:

Broiled Walleye Fillets

Pan-Fried Crappie Fillets

Beer Battered Walleye Recipe

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Greater Than a Tourist- Chautauqua Lake Region New York USA: 50 Travel Tips from a Local (Greater Than a Tourist New York Series)

 

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Kinzua Dam a Fall Destination Reviewed

 

A scenic view in October from Kinzua Area

Fall will be upon us. Sunny cool days and the leaves will be turning so many beautiful colors. We live in Western New York not far from the Kinzua Dam.

Every year when the leaves are at their peak, we take the drive down I86 East, from there we take some back roads into Pennsylvania, through the Allegheny National Forest to the Kinzua Area, the ride is breathtakingly scenic.

If you are in the process of planning a fall vacation, consider the Kinzua Dam. The dam is located about 6 miles east of Warren Pennsylvania, along route 59 nestled in the 500,000 acres of the Allegheny National Forest. I’m going to include a little history and all the fun activities in the Kinzua area.

So, if you like camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, or just relaxing and taking in the views it’s all here at Kinzua. If you’re the outdoors type pack your bags and get ready for some breathtaking views and fun. First here is some history of the area.

Kinzua Dam Construction and Why:

Construction began in 1960 by the US Army Corps of Engineers and was completed in 1965. The main purpose of the dam was for flood control on the Allegheny River. Kinzua controls drainage on a watershed of 2,180 square miles.

Several side benefits from the construction of the dam include drought control, hydroelectric power production, and recreation. The dam created Pennsylvania’s deepest lake, the Allegheny Reservoir, also known as Kinzua Lake.

The cost was approximately $108 million. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam paid for itself in 1972 when tropical storm Agnes’s heavy rains on the watershed brought the reservoir to within three feet of its maximum capacity.

Downstream flood damage would have been devastating at an estimated $247 million. The Kinzua Dam has saved an estimated $1 billion in flood damages since it became operational.

Recreation at Kinzua Dam:

There are many recreational activities at the Allegheny Reservoir and the surrounding area. If you’re the outdoors type, then there is something here for you. Along the reservoir, there is camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and a beach. If you’re the winter type there is snowmobiling and cross country skiing along the trails.

The US Forest Service has four reservoir campgrounds and five primitive (boat to or hike only) camping areas. Most of the recreation areas surround Allegheny Lake.

We love to go there any time of the year and soak in the beautiful scenery and walk the trails. Since we live in Western New York, which is not so far from Kinzua, it’s a nice drive, especially in the fall.

Hiking Trails and Beautiful Scenic Views

There are many scenic overlooks at Kinzua. There are two areas that we never miss and never tire of visiting, they are Jake’s Rock and Rim Rock. The intro photo of this article was taken from Rim Rock.

The views from these overlooks are beautiful any time of the year, but we prefer to go in the fall when the views are breathtaking. We have been there many times and it’s always the same, “Beautiful”

Did You Know That Johnny Cash recorded a song about the Kinzua Dam?

As a tribute to the Seneca Nation of Indians, Johnny Cash recorded, As Long as the Grass Will Grow. The construction of the Dam forced 600 Seneca Indians to relocate because 10,000 acres of their land had to be flooded.

This land had been occupied by the Seneca Nation since the treaty of 1794. President Kennedy had been asked to halt the project but declined because of the need for flood control.

President Kennedy ordered government agencies to assist in finding land for the placement of the Seneca Nation of Indians.

If you are a fan on Johnny Cash here is the song

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Country Songs about Fishing! Yep, It's that Time of the Year

Don't fret; several relaxing country songs are geared explicitly toward the fishing addict! Fishing is who you are....much to the dismay of those who never see you 'cause you're often seen 'out there on the lake'!

Don't worry, be happy...just fish! And who cares what other people think about your love of fishing anyway! Fishing fans understand you perfectly well...they get who you are! Country music artists get you too, 'cause they've written songs about fishing just so you can say to those who don't get you ...' see, there's even a song about fishing!'

Here you go! Here are three country songs about fishing that speak to entirely different aspects of this sport. The first song by Billy Carrington is about fishing no matter what happens, good or bad - The second is the hilarious fishing song by Brad Paisley, and the Third is an emotional fishing song about a father and his little girl.

Bad Day of Fishing by Billy Currington - Didn't Catch a Damn Thing! (lyrics)

Whether it's pouring rain, the fish aren't biting, or you lost your pole to a big one...doesn't matter...because a bad day of fishing beats a good day of anything else (as the song says). A good Fisherman simply adjusts no matter what! 

As the song says, 'Looks like tonight's fish fry dinner is going to be chicken.' The avid fisherman knows how to adjust, and they're probably the first to tell you they'd never stop fishing no matter what! If this sounds like you, then without a doubt, this is your song.

I'm Gonna Miss Her, The Fishin' Song by Brad Paisley "Now there's a chance that if I hurry I could beg her to stay, but the water's right and the weather's perfect"(lyrics)

She should never given him that ultimatum...Fishing or me...'cause he's gonna miss her'. If you've never watched the video for this fishin' song, be sure to check it out; it's hilarious! 

The entire video is done like a news and media event. It's hilarious and one of Brad Paisley's funniest, in fact.

Just Fishing by Trace Adkins - "I say, “Daddy loves you, baby” one more time, She says, “I know. I think I got a bite....But I guarantee this memory's a big'in, And she thinks we're just fishin' (Lyrics)

This is an absolutely beautiful and emotional country song about a dad creating a beautiful memory with his daughter...and she thinks we're just fishing. Every dad knows how precious these moments are with their kids, and they don't just happen...although sometimes they do...However, in this song, Dad is building a moment in his life that will stay with him forever. He loves that little girl, and this ain't just about fishing.

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