Winter does not mean the end of outdoor adventures in Chautauqua! There are still amazing trails to be hiked and the Chautauqua Lake just brimming with fish. Chautauqua Lake ice fishing is one of the most popular cold-weather activities in the area and a must for any dedicated angler. So grab your pole and book a room at The Spencer Hotel & Spa for a day of ice fishing!
After a day spent on Chautauqua Lake ice fishing, warm up with a hearty meal! Access our free Vacation Guide to get our recommendations for great restaurants in the area. Is there anything worse than trying to find a restaurant when you’re hungry? Yes, there is: searching for a place to eat after you’ve spent the day on the lake. Since our Vacation Guide is online, you can easily access it from any mobile device at any time.
Don’t Miss Out on Great Chautauqua Lake Ice Fishing
Before you head out to the lake, make sure you’re arriving at the right time. The Chautauqua Lake tends to freeze mid-to-late February. This happens to be great timing, as President’s Day weekend has been designated as a free fishing weekend in New York! That means that residents and visitors aged 16 and over will be able to fish without a license. If you visit any other time, you’ll have to get a license from New York State. Make sure you also read up on the Chautauqua Lake fishing regulations as well.
Read up on Lake Chautauqua
The Chautauqua County Tourism website has a fantastic Lake Chautauqua fishing report that is updated every weekend. The report lets you know the best places to catch a specific type of fish at any given time as well as the best bait to use. It’s easy to find the Chautauqua Lake fishing hot spots with this detailed guide!
Chautauqua Lake Fish Species
The main reason that Chautauqua Lake has been designated as one of New York’s Top 10 ice-fishing spots by Game and Fish Magazine is simple. There is a great abundance of walleye, black crappie, yellow perch, white perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and brown bullhead. If you’re hoping to snag some walleye, be sure to go during low-light periods. Your best bet for lures is either grubs or small minnows. Either way, be sure to master the “jiggling,” or bouncing the lure in the water to attract the fish.
Stay at The Spencer Hotel & Spa
After a day spent on Chautauqua Lake ice fishing, return to the warm comfort of The Spencer Hotel & Spa. Our cozy, literary-themed rooms are a blessed retreat after the cold winter weather.
Consider booking Colette, our room dedicated to the French author. It features a King bed, loveseat sofa bed, kitchenette, and a neo-angle shower with 1 ½ bathrooms.
Be sure to check out our list of specials and packages! There are so many great ways to enhance your stay. Take a look at our Gourmet Dinner Package! For just $75, you’ll get a voucher and reservations at a local restaurant, a gourmet breakfast in bed, and a box of fine chocolates in your room!
Check our availability and book today! We look forward to having you.