Chautauqua Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Chautauqua County, New York. Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2020. The lake supports 4 documented fish species including Muskellunge, Paddlefish, and Panfish. Public access is available. Compared to the 15 other monitored lakes in Chautauqua County, Chautauqua Lake ranks #1 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, New York DNR, last sampled 2020-09-20. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 6.7 ft. Trophic State Index: 50.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6.7 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 50 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Chautauqua Lake
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Top-rated places to stay near Chautauqua Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Chautauqua Lake
Current Conditions
Latest reading Jul 6, 2026, 4:30 AM from USGS gauge 03013946. See live data ↗ — readings update every 15–60 minutes; this page refreshes on each build.
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 16 lakes in Chautauqua County
Nearby Lakes in Chautauqua County
Explore Chautauqua Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across New York
Fish species and best lakes in Chautauqua County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at New York's top lakes, each with its grade
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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Other Grade C Lakes in New York
Mesotrophic Lakes in New York
More records, surveys & data sources
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2020-09-20
Monitoring stations: 1