How to Fish Chautauqua Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Chautauqua Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 14, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Chautauqua Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	49-55	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning. Fish are responding well to slow-moving baits in the 9-11 foot depth range over submerged vegetation. Moving between deeper staging areas and shallower feeding zones as water temperatures fluctuate between 49-55°F, showing increased activity during warming trends.	Submerged vegetation in 9-11 foot depth range Secondary points and breaks leading to spawning flats Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation	Ned Rigs worked slowly through vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') with erratic retrieves Shakey Heads worked along depth transitions	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Insects beginning spring activity Small baitfish in staging areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Transitioning from winter deep water areas to warming shallow flats and secondary points, staging for spawn Actively feeding during warming trends, with increased activity during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays, especially those with rock or gravel substrate Deeper edges of emerging weed growth in 8-15 foot depth range Offshore humps and structure transitioning to spawning areas	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom contours near staging areas Ned Rigs dragged slowly on secondary points and transition areas Tubes worked methodically around rock and gravel areas	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy Small perch in transitional areas Juvenile bluegill near emerging vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	48-58	Panfish are actively moving into warmer, shallow canal areas for pre-spawn staging Fish are becoming more active feeders as water temperatures rise, primarily targeting small baitfish and zooplankton	Canal systems and channel areas with 2-4 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays Submerged vegetation edges near shoreline structure	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2 feet below surface Crappie Dock Shooting along canal walls Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through staging areas	Small Minnows Zooplankton Emerging aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-65	Pre-spawn muskies are beginning to move from winter depths to shallower staging areas, particularly near spawning bays with vegetation Fish are becoming more active as water warms, but movements are deliberate and typically concentrated around transition areas Feeding periods are less frequent but more intense as fish prepare for spawning	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to deeper water access Points and inside turns near spawning areas Transition areas near the boat launch where depth changes occur	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with slower presentations along transition areas Spinnerbaits worked through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves near staging areas	Perch actively using shallow vegetation Schooling baitfish in transition areas Smaller panfish moving shallow	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye are actively feeding while staging near spawning areas, particularly active during dawn and dusk in the turbid conditions Fish are transitioning from winter deep water sanctuaries to shallower spawning areas, following river channels and points	River channel edges and points adjacent to spawning areas Transition areas between deep winter sanctuaries (20-40ft) and shallow spawning zones Shallow weed edges in 5-15 feet of water where baitfish congregate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hard Jerkbaits Blade Baits	Perch concentrating near transition areas Shad schools in slightly warmer, shallow bays Minnows gathering along emerging weed edges	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Yellow perch are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn locations, actively feeding to prepare for spawning Fish are schooling in larger groups and becoming more aggressive in their feeding behavior as water temperatures rise	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depths, particularly near deeper water access Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation in 6-12 foot depths Points and transitions zones between shallow and deep water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish Aquatic insects emerging with warming water	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-62	Bass are in various spawning phases with fish actively building and guarding beds in shallow, protected areas Males staying shallow (4-7 feet) near spawning areas while some females move between shallow and deeper water in pre/post-spawn phases	Protected shallow areas with submerged vegetation in 4-7 foot range Docks providing overhead cover near spawning flats Areas near panfish beds and shallow coves	Bladed Jigs worked steadily through shallow cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible beds and vegetation Drop Shot for finicky fish around spawning areas	Perch Minnows	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Male smallmouth moving into shallow spawning areas around docks, points, and gravel areas to establish nests Females staging in slightly deeper water near spawning flats, making periodic moves to shallow water	Protected areas between docks with gravel or small rock substrate in 2-6 feet of water Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 4-8 feet of water Shallow humps near spawning flats in 6-12 feet of water	Tubes worked slowly around shallow cover and potential nest sites Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements near staging areas Wacky Rigs worked deliberately around dock posts and shallow structure	Perch moving shallow around spawning areas Bluegill beginning to establish their own spawning territories Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-75	Actively seeking shallow, hard-bottom areas near shoreline structure for spawning, particularly around docks and vegetation Males aggressively guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper, moving in and out of spawning areas Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, with fish targeting small minnows and aquatic insects around vegetation	Protected dock areas with hard bottom and adjacent vegetation Canal systems serving as pre-spawn staging areas Shallow bays with submerged vegetation and hard bottom	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around structure Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structures Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms	Small minnows around vegetation and structure Aquatic insects near spawning areas Zooplankton in and around vegetation beds	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Female muskies moving into shallow bays and backwater areas (2-6 feet) with vegetation for spawning Post-spawn males staying near spawning areas to feed, while females move to nearby recovery locations Sluggish feeding patterns but will strike out of aggression to protect spawning territory	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and stable temperatures Transition areas near boat launches where deeper water meets spawning flats Areas with matted grass adjacent to slightly deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to spawning areas Trolling Shallow (0-9') along transition zones	Perch (primary forage confirmed by multiple reports) Smaller baitfish schools in shallow water Young-of-year panfish in emerging vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are moving into shallow waters (2-12 feet) near spawning areas, particularly around river channels and points with gravel or rocky substrate Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with increased daytime activity due to spring spawn behavior and turbid conditions Males arrive first and stay longer on spawning grounds, while females move in briefly to spawn then retreat to nearby recovery areas	River channel mouths and connected points with gravel or rock substrate Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas, especially those with emerging vegetation Transition areas between spawning grounds and deeper water sanctuaries	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom near spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses, especially during low light periods	Perch congregating near spawning areas Minnows moving into shallow warming waters Shad schools in transition areas	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-52	Yellow perch moving into shallow, weedy areas (6-12 feet) for spawning, with males arriving first followed by egg-laden females Post-spawn fish remain in the shallows, actively feeding to recover energy, particularly during early morning and evening hours	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 6-12 foot depths Protected coves and bays with stable temperatures Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small, subtle presentations Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily	Small minnows gathering in spawning areas Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Young-of-year baitfish in shallow zones	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding to recover energy, showing aggressive behavior towards a variety of presentations from topwater to bottom contact baits Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, relating heavily to vegetation and wood cover in 4-7 foot depth range	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-7 foot depth range Laydowns and woody cover near channel edges Lily pad fields in protected bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked through vegetation Hard Topwater (Prop) worked over submerged vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around laydowns Drop Shot for deeper fish near channel edges	Bluegill gathering in shallow vegetation Minnows around vegetation edges Young of year baitfish in shallow areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily utilizing humps and offshore structure as evidenced by recent catches Fish are showing morning activity patterns, suggesting dawn feeding periods around structure	Offshore humps, particularly in Warner Bay area where recent success has been documented Secondary points with access to deeper water Areas with submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Wacky Rigs, which have proven effective in recent reports from Warner Bay Drop Shot for suspended fish around humps Ned Rigs for pressured fish on heavily fished structures	Perch, as indicated in lake profile Bluegill in warming shallows Various minnow species	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small baitfish in and around vegetation Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting zones	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-8 foot depths Secondary points with mixed vegetation and hard bottom Dock areas with adjacent weed growth	Live Bait Rigs with lightweight floats for precise presentation Inline Spinners worked slowly through vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily near cover	Small insects and larvae in vegetation Young-of-year baitfish Small crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	55-68	Post-spawn muskies are actively recovering and beginning to feed, primarily focusing on shallow to mid-depth areas near spawning locations Fish are utilizing weed edges and points as primary ambush locations, particularly during early morning and evening periods In the turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi), fish are staying in shallower water where visibility is optimal for hunting	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays, especially where they meet deeper water access Dock areas with nearby vegetation, providing shade and ambush points Points and inside turns of bays where baitfish schools concentrate	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and dock lines Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with slow, steady retrieves near structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points during recovery periods	Perch (primary forage based on multiple reports) Baitfish schools congregating near structure Shallow water prey utilizing weed cover	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	55-65	Post-spawn walleye actively feeding on baitfish during evening hours, showing classic low-light feeding behavior in turbid conditions Fish transitioning between spawning areas and early summer locations, utilizing points and weedlines as staging areas	Shorelines with active baitfish schools, particularly during evening hours Points and channel edges near spawning areas Emerging weedlines in 8-15 foot depth range	Hard Jerkbaits worked with pause-and-pull retrieve Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to shoreline structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating prevalent baitfish	Minnows congregating along shorelines Young of year perch in emerging weed growth Shad in open water areas	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	Post-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily relating to submerged vegetation in 10-15 foot depths Fish are schooling in loose groups, making frequent moves between feeding areas throughout the day	Weed edges and scattered vegetation in 10-15 foot depths Secondary points with emerging vegetation Protected coves with developing weed growth	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish Aquatic invertebrates around vegetation Small crayfish emerging from winter shelter	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	74-79	Actively feeding around docks and vegetation, with both shallow and deep patterns emerging. Early morning and late afternoon showing increased surface activity, especially around bait schools Fish are establishing both shallow and deep summer patterns, with some bass holding tight to dock structure while others are relating to deep vegetation edges	Larger docks with boat awnings and deeper water access, particularly those in the back of coves Submerged vegetation in 4-7 foot depth range Offshore structure adjacent to deep breaks	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around dock structures Swim Jigs through submerged vegetation Hard Topwater (Prop) early morning around bait schools Drop Shot for deeper fish on offshore structure	Bluegill Shad Perch	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	69-75	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding around dock structures, particularly in the north lake area, with a preference for early morning activity Fish are holding tight to cover due to heavy weed growth, requiring precise presentations to target them effectively	Dock areas in the north lake section, especially those with adjacent weed growth Marina docks in the campground area Weed edges near deeper water access	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around dock posts and edges Spinnerbaits retrieved parallel to weed edges and dock lines Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper dock areas	Bluegill around dock structures Young of year perch in weed edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-78	Bluegill actively spawning in shallow areas, with fish congregating around hard-bottom areas near docks and shoreline structure Multiple panfish species (perch, crappie) staging near spawning areas, creating mixed-species opportunities	Large, isolated docks with adjacent hard bottom areas Shallow flats with submerged vegetation near shoreline structure Protected coves with complex shoreline structure	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers Crappie Dock Shooting	Minnows Aquatic Insects	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Muskie	65-75	Actively feeding on perch near structural transitions, utilizing points and weed edges as ambush locations Staying relatively shallow due to turbid water conditions (1.5m secchi), maintaining activity in 65-75°F optimal temperature range	Points with nearby deep water access, especially those with weed growth Weed edges and matted grass areas adjacent to deeper water Dock areas providing shade and ambush points	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for imitating perch in shallow zones Buzzbaits for covering water and targeting active fish near surface	Perch Schooling Baitfish	Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-78	Walleye are transitioning to deeper water during daylight hours due to summer heat, but moving shallow to feed during low-light periods Fish are relating to weed edges and points, using these areas as ambush points for feeding on abundant baitfish	Deep weed edges adjacent to river channel breaks (15-25 feet) Main lake points with access to deep water Submerged weed flats in 8-15 feet of water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and breaks Live Bait Rigs with leeches or nightcrawlers near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during low light periods	Perch schooling along weed edges Shad suspending in the water column Minnows relating to vegetation	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-78	Actively feeding in and around weed beds during early morning and evening, moving to deeper adjacent areas during bright midday periods Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with groups targeting small baitfish in 10-15 foot zones	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depths, especially near points and coves Submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water Secondary drop-offs near productive shallow flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Inline Spinners	Small baitfish schools Aquatic insects around vegetation Small crayfish in weed beds	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Chautauqua Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	42-52	Bass are transitioning to slower, more methodical feeding patterns as water temperatures drop into the low 40s Fish are relating heavily to woody cover (laydowns) on sunny banks, using these areas as ambush points Feeding windows are most active during sunny periods when water temperatures warm slightly	Sunny banks with laydowns, especially those protected from cold winds Dock areas adjacent to deep water access Shallow vegetation edges near creek channels or deeper water	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along laydowns Shakey Heads fished with minimal movement Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting specific pieces of cover	Crawfish seeking warmth near wood cover and rocky banks Bluegill in remaining vegetation Small baitfish schooling near channel edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding on baitfish and crayfish to build fat reserves for winter, following forage movements to deeper structure Transitioning from summer patterns to deeper water, with aggressive feeding during prime temperature periods	Deep dock edges adjacent to main lake points where baitfish are schooling Offshore humps and rock piles in 15-25 foot range Steep breaks and channel edges near Warner Bay	Drop Shot worked slowly along deep structure edges Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools Tubes dragged along rocky bottom structure	Yellow Perch schooling in deeper water Crayfish on rocky structure Bluegill relating to dock structure	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Actively feeding and schooling in preparation for winter, with increased activity during mid-morning and afternoon periods Moving between deep vegetation edges and adjacent hard-bottom feeding areas	Deep weed edges adjacent to hard bottom areas Secondary points with submerged vegetation Dock areas with access to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small/Medium Soft Body Swimbaits	Small minnows congregating near weed edges Aquatic insects in vegetation Young-of-year panfish	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Muskie	52-65	Muskies are in peak feeding mode, bulking up for winter with aggressive strikes on large prey Fish are following baitfish schools and utilizing weed edges as ambush points Most active during low-light periods, moving shallower on overcast days	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near points and bays Dock areas with nearby deep-water access Transition areas where vegetation meets rocky structure	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points Large Soft Body Swimbaits worked slowly near structure Spinnerbaits burned through shallow areas on cloudy days	Yellow Perch congregating in schools Large baitfish schools in transition areas Remaining shallow water prey near weed edges	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	48-65	Feeding actively in preparation for winter, following baitfish schools (perch, shad, minnows) and exhibiting aggressive feeding during low-light periods Moving between shallow and mid-depth ranges, utilizing points and channel edges as transitional areas	Channel edges and points adjacent to deep water sanctuaries Deep weedline edges where vegetation meets channel breaks River channel bends and current breaks where baitfish congregate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Yellow Perch along weedline edges Minnows in transitional areas	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	48-62	Yellow perch are actively schooling and feeding heavily in preparation for winter, with increased activity during morning and evening hours Fish are transitioning from shallow weed edges to deeper structures, following baitfish movements	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and drop-offs (10-20 feet) Submerged vegetation near deep basins (15-25 feet) Rocky points with access to deep water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small baitfish schools Juvenile perch Remaining aquatic invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Panfish are congregating in mid-depth zones around 10 feet, with some movement between depths based on daily temperature fluctuations Feeding activity is concentrated during prime daylight hours, with fish relating closely to submerged vegetation and structure	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depth range Canal systems with stable deeper water Hard-bottom areas near depth changes	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Drop Shot	Small minnows Aquatic insects Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	38-48	Muskies are concentrating near deep-water access points adjacent to shallow feeding areas, making fewer but more aggressive feeding movements Fish are following larger schools of perch and baitfish, particularly during low-light periods when prey is more active	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and bays where baitfish schools concentrate Transition areas near the boat launch where depth changes occur Deeper dock areas that provide overhead cover and ambush points	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along depth transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with large profile baits Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and structure	Perch congregating in winter schools Concentrated baitfish schools in deeper water Suspended fish near structure	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye concentrate in deeper water basins and river channels (20-40 feet), making periodic movements to adjacent structure to feed Fish remain relatively stationary in schools, with brief feeding windows during low-light periods	Deep river channel bends and intersections (20-40 feet) Deep points adjacent to winter basin areas Transitions between hard and soft bottom in deep water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Perch schools in deep basins Suspended baitfish (shad) in river channels Deep-holding minnows near structure	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	42-52	Yellow perch are actively schooling in late fall/early winter, suspending near deep structure and following baitfish schools Fish are feeding aggressively but in shorter windows, typically during early morning and late afternoon periods	Deep water areas adjacent to submerged vegetation in 20-30 foot range Deep points and drop-offs near remaining weed edges Suspended schools over deeper basin areas following baitfish	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons	Small minnows and shiners in open water Young-of-year perch near remaining vegetation Small invertebrates near bottom structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	33-38	Panfish concentrating in mid-depth zones around 10 feet, actively feeding on small prey items during stable winter periods Fish holding tight to submerged vegetation edges, moving between feeding zones in schools	10-foot flats with submerged vegetation Transitions between weedy areas and clean bottom in 8-12 feet Protected bays with consistent depth around 10 feet	Ice Fishing Jigs with minnow heads, worked slowly with subtle movements Ice Fishing Spoons for actively feeding fish, especially larger perch Small tungsten jigs tipped with live bait for finicky biters	Minnows - primary forage confirmed by fishing reports Small invertebrates near weed edges Juvenile perch in deeper sections	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	33-39	Walleye concentrate in deep basins and river channel areas between 20-40 feet, moving between primary feeding zones and resting areas Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a strong preference for feeding on larger forage like perch in winter Typically school more tightly in winter, following forage concentrations in deeper water	Deep basin areas near river channel intersections in 20-40 foot range Transitions between deep basins and remaining weed edges Steep breaks and points adjacent to deep wintering holes	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements, particularly effective when tipped with minnows Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging followed by long pauses to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern active fish	Yellow Perch - primary winter forage in 20-40 foot depths Minnows congregating in deep water schools Suspended Shad in deeper basin areas	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	33-39	Yellow perch are schooling in deeper water (20-40 feet), with larger fish generally holding deeper than smaller ones Fish are actively feeding on minnows near submerged vegetation, requiring anglers to work through smaller fish to locate keeper-sized perch	Deep basins adjacent to submerged vegetation in 20-40 foot range Transition areas between weed edges and deeper water Deep structures with nearby access to vegetation	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive action to attract fish from distance Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to intercept suspended schools	Minnows - primary winter forage confirmed by fishing reports Small perch - abundant in the system based on reports Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Chautauqua Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation in 9-11 foot depth range	Secondary points and breaks leading to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays, especially those with rock or gravel substrate	Deeper edges of emerging weed growth in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Canal systems and channel areas with 2-4 feet of water	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to deeper water access	Points and inside turns near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	River channel edges and points adjacent to spawning areas	Transition areas between deep winter sanctuaries (20-40ft) and shallow spawning zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depths, particularly near deeper water access	Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation in 6-12 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow areas with submerged vegetation in 4-7 foot range	Docks providing overhead cover near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected areas between docks with gravel or small rock substrate in 2-6 feet of water	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 4-8 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected dock areas with hard bottom and adjacent vegetation	Canal systems serving as pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and stable temperatures	Transition areas near boat launches where deeper water meets spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	River channel mouths and connected points with gravel or rock substrate	Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas, especially those with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 6-12 foot depths	Protected coves and bays with stable temperatures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-7 foot depth range	Laydowns and woody cover near channel edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Offshore humps, particularly in Warner Bay area where recent success has been documented	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-8 foot depths	Secondary points with mixed vegetation and hard bottom
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays, especially where they meet deeper water access	Dock areas with nearby vegetation, providing shade and ambush points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shorelines with active baitfish schools, particularly during evening hours	Points and channel edges near spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and scattered vegetation in 10-15 foot depths	Secondary points with emerging vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Larger docks with boat awnings and deeper water access, particularly those in the back of coves	Submerged vegetation in 4-7 foot depth range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Dock areas in the north lake section, especially those with adjacent weed growth	Marina docks in the campground area
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Large, isolated docks with adjacent hard bottom areas	Shallow flats with submerged vegetation near shoreline structure
Summer	Muskie	Points with nearby deep water access, especially those with weed growth	Weed edges and matted grass areas adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges adjacent to river channel breaks (15-25 feet)	Main lake points with access to deep water
Summer	Yellow Perch	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depths, especially near points and coves	Submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Sunny banks with laydowns, especially those protected from cold winds	Dock areas adjacent to deep water access
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep dock edges adjacent to main lake points where baitfish are schooling	Offshore humps and rock piles in 15-25 foot range
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to hard bottom areas	Secondary points with submerged vegetation
Fall	Muskie	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near points and bays	Dock areas with nearby deep-water access
Fall	Walleye	Channel edges and points adjacent to deep water sanctuaries	Deep weedline edges where vegetation meets channel breaks
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and drop-offs (10-20 feet)	Submerged vegetation near deep basins (15-25 feet)
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depth range	Canal systems with stable deeper water
Winter	Muskie	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and bays where baitfish schools concentrate	Transition areas near the boat launch where depth changes occur
Winter	Walleye	Deep river channel bends and intersections (20-40 feet)	Deep points adjacent to winter basin areas
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep water areas adjacent to submerged vegetation in 20-30 foot range	Deep points and drop-offs near remaining weed edges
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	10-foot flats with submerged vegetation	Transitions between weedy areas and clean bottom in 8-12 feet
Ice	Walleye	Deep basin areas near river channel intersections in 20-40 foot range	Transitions between deep basins and remaining weed edges
Ice	Yellow Perch	Deep basins adjacent to submerged vegetation in 20-40 foot range	Transition areas between weed edges and deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Insects beginning spring activity
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small perch in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small Minnows	Zooplankton
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch actively using shallow vegetation	Schooling baitfish in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch concentrating near transition areas	Shad schools in slightly warmer, shallow bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish	Aquatic insects emerging with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Minnows
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch moving shallow around spawning areas	Bluegill beginning to establish their own spawning territories
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows around vegetation and structure	Aquatic insects near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Perch (primary forage confirmed by multiple reports)	Smaller baitfish schools in shallow water
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Perch congregating near spawning areas	Minnows moving into shallow warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering in spawning areas	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow vegetation	Minnows around vegetation edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch, as indicated in lake profile	Bluegill in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae in vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Baitfish schools congregating near structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows congregating along shorelines	Young of year perch in emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish	Aquatic invertebrates around vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Shad
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill around dock structures	Young of year perch in weed edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Minnows	Aquatic Insects
Summer	Muskie	Perch	Schooling Baitfish
Summer	Walleye	Perch schooling along weed edges	Shad suspending in the water column
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish schools	Aquatic insects around vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish seeking warmth near wood cover and rocky banks	Bluegill in remaining vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch schooling in deeper water	Crayfish on rocky structure
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows congregating near weed edges	Aquatic insects in vegetation
Fall	Muskie	Yellow Perch congregating in schools	Large baitfish schools in transition areas
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Yellow Perch along weedline edges
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish schools	Juvenile perch
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows	Aquatic insects
Winter	Muskie	Perch congregating in winter schools	Concentrated baitfish schools in deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Perch schools in deep basins	Suspended baitfish (shad) in river channels
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and shiners in open water	Young-of-year perch near remaining vegetation
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Minnows - primary forage confirmed by fishing reports	Small invertebrates near weed edges
Ice	Walleye	Yellow Perch - primary winter forage in 20-40 foot depths	Minnows congregating in deep water schools
Ice	Yellow Perch	Minnows - primary winter forage confirmed by fishing reports	Small perch - abundant in the system based on reports

Bait Colors by Season for Chautauqua Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Muskie	Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Walleye	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Walleye	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors