The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced two public meetings to discuss the status of walleye in Chautauqua Lake. DEC Region 9 Bureau of Fisheries staff will present current information on the walleye population in Chautauqua Lake and future management, followed by an interactive dialog with attendees after the presentation.

The first in-person meeting will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at the Carlson Community Center at Lakeside Park 78 Water Street Route 394 in Mayville. The second in-person meeting will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at The Lawson Center at 73 Lakeside Dr in Bemus Point. Registration is not required.

DEC offers a host of resources for those interested in getting started fishing. The I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing (PDF) provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod, to identifying your catch and understanding fishing regulations. There’s also a video series on DEC’s YouTube channel that complements the Beginners’ Guide. DEC's Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information when planning your next fishing trip. DEC's official mobile app, HuntFishNY, now features “The Tackle Box,” which provides anglers with one-stop shopping for fishing regulations, boating access, and stocking information within a map-based interface from the convenience of your smart phone.

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location.