Jun 20, 2026
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher Chautauqua Lake walleye can be found in both the north and south basin, with anglers often dropping jigging lures in their favorite deep holes near Mission Meadows, as shown here.
A beloved Chautauqua Lake tradition returns this weekend as the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association is hosting its 48th annual Jake Ernewein Memorial Father’s Day Weekend Fishing Contest, combining family friendly competition with a deeper mission: protecting and preserving one of Western New York’s most treasured natural resources.
The contest honors Jake Ernewein, one of six founding members who helped establish the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association nearly five decades ago. Today, the volunteer-led organization continues to champion the ecological health of Chautauqua Lake while introducing new generations to the outdoors.
“While our weekend contest is open to everyone, our whole purpose is to reach kids and help them develop an interest in the outdoors and in Chautauqua Lake,” said Mark Damen, club president.
The annual event is open to both youth and adults, with free registration for children ages 5 to 15. Adult registration is $10, with 100% of entry fees paid back to adult participants.
“Organizers will award 25 trophies,” Damen added, “and every child will receive a prize.”
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher Largemouth bass are healthy and well populated in Chautauqua Lake, with all sizes ready to share in the fun of catch and release. Plastic worms rigged “wacky style” and fished near boat docks are a favorite way to fool them.
The public is welcome to visit the club to watch the final award ceremonies.
The Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association clubhouse is located at 10 Chadakoin Parkway in Celoron. With the contest running today and Sunday, the fish entries will be measured at the clubhouse from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Potential new members can come by to visit and learn about the club, and see the fish. Anglers can compete for the longest largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, calico bass and other panfish caught on Chautauqua Lake. The club strongly encourages the live release of all fish to support a healthy fishery (use your livewell prior to weigh-in, if possible). Records are meant to be broken and an extra prize will be awarded for anyone that can do that. Currently, the longest largemouth bass was 22 3-8 inches in 2010, the largest smallmouth bass was 22 1-2 inches, also in 2010, and the largest walleye was 28 1-2 inches in 1997.
While the tournament is one club highlight of the season, the club’s impact extends far beyond the water. With nearly 700 members, the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association supports organizations dedicated to lake management and environmental stewardship, including the Chautauqua Lake Association and the Chautauqua Lake Partnership.
“We have breakfast at the club, steak roasts, and much more for new members to consider joining our group,” Damen said.
“Our membership cost remains one of the most affordable in the region, costing $25 for the first year and $20 annually thereafter,” said Chuck Hodges, club member.
“All of our proceeds are reinvested into initiatives that benefit the lake and the community,” Damen added.
The organization also invests in the future through education. Each year, it awards three $1,000 Woody and Dorothy Lindstrom Scholarships to students pursuing studies in environmental science, ecology or related fields.
As anglers cast their lines this weekend, club members hope the event will inspire residents and visitors alike to become involved in preserving the lake for generations to come. For general
information, call 716-664-9152. We need to support clubs like this who promote the stewardship of Chautauqua Lake.
Gotta love the outdoors.
CALENDAR
June 20: Youth Fishing Derby, Westfield Fish & Game, 8150 Ogden Road, Westfield; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, Free, open to public, register upon arrival; fishing rods/reels for use are available at no charge, Info: 716-326-2289.
June 20: Annual Game Dinner/Picnic, West Falls Conservation, 4 p.m. start, prizes, bring a dish to pass, open to club and nonclub members, 55 Bridge St., West Falls. Info, contact Al Gai: 716-937-3271.
June 20-21: Jake Ernewein Memorial Father’s Day Weekend Fishing Contest, Chautauqua Lake, adults and juniors: adults $10 registration, youth under 16 are free; Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association, 10 Chadakoin Parkway, Celoron; Info: 716-664-9152.
CHAUTAUQUA — Angie Penhollow’s 43 led the Monday Night Ladies League at Chautauqua Golf Club. Julie Brown …
BUSTI — Al Etzel of Ocala, Florida, was victorious in his return to the Wednesday Travel League, shooting the low …
Copyright © 2026 Ogden Newspapers of New York, Inc. | https://www.observertoday.com | PO Box 391, Dunkirk, NY 14048 | 716-366-3000
Leave a Reply