As the waters chill and clear, vast schools of baitfish such as perch and shad become more abundant and easier to find for the musky. In preparation for the winter ahead, musky feed voraciously, sometimes frenzy-like.

If you like to catch big fish, right now is your fun time. The abundance of musky in Chautauqua Lake is a promising sign for anglers. These fish can grow to in excess of 55 inches in length, though regularly caught musky here average around the 40-inch mark.

Popular fishing methods include trolling, casting with sturdy tackle, and using appropriate big lures for these big fish. Jerkbaits, swimbaits, and topwater lures can be very effective for casters who use a slow, steady retrieve or a stop-and-go technique.

The moment that a musky decides to cash in on one of these lures can be gut-wrenching and explosive, and create an everlasting memory. Popular caster baits include Baker Lures, Clarkey Baits, Bam-Bam Baits, Duke’s Dozerz Musky Spinnerbaits, Bigfoot Baits and the locally popular Leo Lures.

Big lures, like this Baker Lure, are big fish catchers when it comes to musky fishing. Photo courtesy of Katia Rivers

Mike Sperry, local Chautauqua Lake musky guide from Chautauqua Reel Outdoors Guide and Tackle Shop, says that bucktails, TnT’s and Leo Jerkbaits have been working for him. He advises anglers to “figure-8” at the end of every cast as the deeper follows from big fish are happening now due to clear water — a word from the wise.

This Saturday, the Muskies Inc. Chapter 69 (New York) will sponsor their casting-only “Big Baller” musky tournament. It’s their last Chautauqua Lake fishing tournament of the 2024 year. The entry fee for members is $100, and for nonmembers, it is $10 more. This is an individual angler event with prizes for the top three winners. Details for one fish and/or all fish with a big fish side pot are pending. Angler requirements include needle-nose pliers, leaders, a digital camera, hook cutters, a coated net and a bump board. This is an artificial lure tournament only. Morning angler and boat check-in will occur at the Prendergast Boat Launch facility from 6:30-7:30 a.m., with the tournament running from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Following boat recovery at Prendergast, the award ceremony will immediately follow the end of the tournament and move to the Mayville Village Gazebo. For more details or information, email Katia Rivers at nymusky69@gmail.com or visit the tournament Facebook site.

Anglers fishing in the right locations at the right time are sure to reap a line-testing giant from the Chautauqua Lake waters.

Note that the New York Musky Expo 2025 will be held Feb. 1 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Feb. 2 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. Musky lure builders and vendors from all across the United States and Canada will be there, creating a community network of musky enthusiasts. There will be a lure swap event on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 7-9 p.m., providing a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow anglers. There will also be seminars scheduled throughout both days, with door prizes and raffles in the game plan for the show. The entry fee is $12 for a single day, $18 for both days and the swap meet. There is a discount for veterans, firemen and police with valid identification. Up to two children under 12 are free, with each paying adult. Also, Muskies Inc. Chapter 69 (New York) will conduct kids activities at the Kids Corner. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the email noted earlier.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Oct. 1 to Nov. 15: NYS Southern Zone early big game archery season.

Oct. 19: Regular WNY pheasant season opened. See https://dec.ny.gov.

Oct. 19 to Nov. 1: NYS Southern Zone fall turkey season.

Oct. 25: Trapping season opens for fox, coyote, racoon, skunk, opossum, weasel. See https://dec.ny.gov.

Oct. 26: Muskies Inc. Chapter 69 (New York) musky tournament, Chautauqua Lake, Prendergast Launch. Details: Contact Katia Rivers, nymusky69@gmail.com.

Oct. 29: Fly Fishing and Fly-Tying Class, free, 7-8:30 p.m., with Alberto Rey, Costello Room, Rockefeller Arts Center, SUNY Fredonia. Info: email reya@fredonia.edu.

Nov. 1: Leftover deer management permits go on sale; first-come, first served at license issuing agent sites.

Nov. 2-15: NYS Southern Zone crossbow big game season

Nov. 16 to Dec. 8: NYS Southern Zone Regular (firearm) big game season

Dec. 9-17 and Dec. 26 to Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone late bowhunting season