Shore anglers report fun fishing in the Chautauqua Lake canals for a mix of crappies, yellow perch and bluegills. Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher

Crappie fishing on Chautauqua Lake is a rewarding and fun experience, especially during the spring months.

The when, where and how to fish for crappies can be mysterious on some days; that’s how fishing is, but there are common methods that have been proven quite effective over the years. Remember that patience can be key to catching fish, regardless of the target species.

The prime-time crappie fishing season on Chautauqua Lake begins in April and extends through mid-May, sometimes a week or two later. During this time, crappies move into shallow, warm waters, making them especially susceptible to anglers looking for them. As water temperatures rise to just over 50 degrees, crappies become much more active. Key locations for crappie fishing on Chautauqua Lake are varied. The Ashville Bay Marina canals and the shallow waters of Burtis Bay are known early-season hotspots in the southern basin. Each of the residential canals and other marina canals warm up quickly, as well, and attract crappies. Around the lake shoreline, docks, fallen trees, and brush piles along the shoreline, especially near waterway inlets, are hotspots, too. Don’t forget the Interstate 86 bridge piers that provide cover. The areas above and below the bridge offer shallow weed growth edges and are productive hotspots at times.

How to fish for crappies is not complicated, but it can be confusing. Anglers have two choices: live bait or artificial lures. Fathead minnows or emerald shiners are highly effective when suspended under a bobber. With artificials, tiny 2-inch plastic tube jig tails on 1/64-1/16 ounce jig heads in various colors are popular, casting or suspending these under a float, too.

Target shallow water in spring, less than 8 feet deep. Adjust the float (bobber) to be 3-5 feet above the bait, but vary the bobber height until you find fish. A slip bobber can be effective and allow for easy level change of the baits. After casting with or without a bobber, retrieve some line, then gently shiver/shake the rod tip to provide some action to the bait. And be patient, as well. Change off. Wobble and wait. Set the hook gently by lifting the rod tip; don’t rip it hard. Crappie mouths are soft.

The crappie season in New York State is open all year long, providing anglers with ample opportunities to enjoy their favorite pastime. The minimum crappie length for harvest is now 10 inches, with a 25-fish daily bag limit. Anglers need to have a NYS fishing license for those 16 years and older.

For me, as a kid more than 70 years ago, there was nothing more exciting than my dad taking us to fish the canals for crappie and sunfish at Ashville Bay Marina. It was 10 cents per person per day back then. It was the 1950s. Chautauqua Reel Outdoors Bait and Tackle Shop (716-763-2947) with Captain Mike Sperry is on-site today. How awesome is that?! Bait and advice on the hottest spot to catch spring crappies at Chautauqua Lake. It can be such fun, especially for young children, but parents still need to watch them when fishing near the wooden docks. Kids are kids. My baby brother fell in there, and my dad reached in to save him, ending our fishing day. Forgiving my brother for making us leave early took me a few days. He was soaked and it was in the 40s that day.

Above all, to eliminate any confusion about catching crappies with a pro, talk to Captain Mike Sperry in the bait shop there. He offers guided spring fishing trips for a minimal fee (my opinion), complete with tackle, bait and all the rest, including good advice for next time. I have fished with him twice, he shares secrets. Nearby Bear Lake, Findley Lake and the Cassadaga Lakes all have adequate crappie populations. Fun to be had there, too.

Don’t forget that if you are boating, under NYS Brianna’s Law – since Jan. 1, 2025, all motorboat operators must complete a boating safety course and obtain a certificate from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Related, between Nov. 1 and May 1, anyone underway in a boat (less than 21 feet) must wear a securely fastened PFD. This includes canoes, kayaks, rowboats and motorboats. Safety comes first.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

April 24: NYSDEC Lake Erie Angler Outreach meeting, 6-9:30 p.m., Woodlawn Beach State Park Lodge, Blasdell, New York.

April 25-27: Spring Thaw Primitive Archery Shoot and events, Hawkeye Bowmen, 13300 Clinton St., Alden, New York; hawkeyebowmen@yahoo.com.

April 26: NYS Safe Boating Course, Southtowns Walleye Assoc. of WNY, $35 fee, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., first responders/military $10 discount, 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg; Info: John Kalinski, 716-627-7554 or Brian Plecas, 716-225-7055.

April 28: Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen annual banquet and fund-raising dinner, Lakewood Fish & Game. For tickets, call Frank Shoenacker, 585-406-5764.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.