The new Chautauqua Reel Outdoors Bait and Tackle Shop at Ashville Bay Marina was headquarters for the New York Muskies Inc.-Chapter 69 annual fall musky fishing contest last weekend.
Submitted Photo
The picturesque hills surrounding Chautauqua Lake are in the process of dramatic color change right now, just in time for the best musky fishing of the year. The serene backdrop amid local fishing excursions enhances the overall fishing experience for anglers who specifically target musky.
One place that has become the regional center for musky tales and “best musky lure” supplies is a new tackle shop that just opened at the Ashville Bay Marina location.
Captain Mike Sperry, a noted New York state-licensed Chautauqua Lake fishing guide with a penchant for catching musky when nobody else can, and his staff run Chautauqua Reel Outdoors Guide and Tackle Service. Sperry’s expertise and dedication to the sport are evident in every aspect of his shop, from the wide range of tackle and live bait to the honest advice for newbies. There are regular special sales on tackle all year long, making it a must-visit for any angler.
Just last weekend, members of New York Muskies Inc.-Chapter 69, from the Rochester area, held their Chautauqua Lake annual autumn musky tournament using Sperry’s new tackle shop as their headquarters. According to Tournament Director Katia Rivers, the fishing made many memories for the 24 teams fishing in it. During pre-fishing on Friday, Sperry was running a charter trip and landed a 48-inch monster musky. That’s 4 feet of fish. What a trip. Fishing often and being the expert guide that he is, Sperry was sure to be prepared for the musky tournament the next day.
“It was a relatively slow musky tournament day on Saturday, with only five muskies landed,” Rivers said. “Mike Sperry caught the biggest fish of the contest with a 45-inch monster, taking the “Big Fish” title. The actual tournament winner was the Mark Richardson team, which caught two muskies and Mike Sperry as Team Chautauqua took second place.”
There were other muskies hooked and lost. Sperry caught his big contest fish casting a 9-inch Leo jerkbait in a yellow perch color pattern. Musky in Chautauqua Lake can grow to impressive sizes, offering anglers a valid opportunity to catch trophy fish. The thrill of landing a large musky is a major draw for many fishermen who want to visit Chautauqua.
“The fall bite is starting with shortened daylight,” Sperry said. “We could use some rain, though; the lake is down about 12 inches.”
There is a rain forecast for next week. The lake is known for its healthy abundance of muskies, and the experience of catching these elusive and powerful fish is truly exhilarating.
Not to be outdone, the always humble Katia Rivers shared another story with me from the practice day.
“I forgot to mention my personal-best Chautauqua catch from the Friday practice day,” Rivers said. “She is the heaviest fish I’ve ever caught. She jumped full-force, her whole body out of the water. A beast. I caught her trolling a “Hulk 14” Baker musky lure in a new salmon color. It took every muscle I have to bring her in. I’m still feeling it. Our jaws dropped when she jumped like that. I might be getting a little rusty or be getting a little old, but she was definitely the heaviest fish I can remember lifting in quite a while.”
With big fish tales like this and a local expert source in Sperry, Chautauqua Lake has developed a strong and long-lasting fishing culture with a community of anglers who specifically target musky. Contests like this not only showcase the skill and dedication of the anglers but also promote camaraderie and shared passion among the musky fishing crews. This sense of community is what makes Chautauqua Lake a unique and vibrant fishing destination, contributing to the big fish popularity among locals and visitors alike. While the fishing was relatively slow for the Saturday contest, if you can believe it, the healthy abundance of muskies in Chautauqua Lake is well known. These fish are prized by anglers for their size, strength, and challenging nature to catch. Muskies are elusive and powerful. Chautauqua Lake is a popular destination for musky fishing enthusiasts for good reason.
Stop in and talk with Captain Mike Sperry at the brand-new Chautauqua Reel Outdoors Bait and Tackle Shop, open Monday through Saturday. Call 716-763-2947 to set up a fish trip or check on fishing gear. To learn more about Sperry and musky fishing and other types of fishing, visit https://www.chautauquareeloutdoors.com.
Musky anglers note from Katia Rivers: The 2025 NY Musky Expo is set for Feb. 1-2; it is moving from the Chautauqua Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Mayville to the new Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celeron. This exciting event is a must-visit for any musky fishing enthusiast, offering a unique opportunity to learn from experts, discover new gear, and connect with fellow anglers. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable experience at the new Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. Gotta love the New York outdoors.
CALENDAR
Sept. 25 & 27: NYS Hunter Ed Course, 5:30-10 p.m. Free. Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Info: 716-366-3397.
Sept. 28: NYS Bowhunter Ed Course, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free. Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Info: 716-366-3397.
Sept. 28: National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration
Sept. 28: FREE FISHING DAY in NYS; residents and non-residents.
Sept. 28: Hanover Fish & Game, three-bird fall fun shoot, Registration 8 a.m., Shooting begins 9 a.m.; 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville, N.Y. Open to public.
Sept. 28-29: Western Zone youth waterfowl hunt, junior hunters 12-15 yrs, must be w/mentor; visit https://dec.ny.gov.
Oct. 1: Special Early Big Game Season (Archery) begins in Southern Zone NYS.
Oct. 1: NYS Small Game Season Opens for cottontail rabbit, ruffed grouse and coyote.
Oct. 1: Zoar Valley Public Education (Logging Plan), 6:30 p.m., Crane Branch Library, 633 Elmwood, Buffalo; 716-903-5524.
Oct. 1: Final Day to apply for deer management permits. Leftovers available Nov. 1 at Clerk’s Office.