Cassadaga Lake is located in northern Chautauqua County. Three interconnected lakes make up the lake and are the headwaters of Cassadaga Creek.
Physical Features:
Elevation: 1,260 feet
Area: 217 acres
Shoreline Length: 5.1 miles
Max Depth: 50 feet
County & Town: Chautauqua County, Towns of Pomfret and Stockton
Accessible Features
From the Glasgow Road Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:
- Trailered boat launch with dock; and
- Hand boat launch with dock
Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities.
Access:
Public boat launching and fishing access is provided at a DEC operated site located at the north end of Middle Cassadaga Lake, on Glasgow Road. The facility has a hard surface ramp and parking for 20 cars and trailers.
For more information on this launch including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Chautauqua County page.
Fish Species:
Largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, walleye, pumpkinseed, bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead.
Fishing:
All three interconnected lakes provide angling for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge and several species of panfish. Anglers should note that these lakes experience oxygen depletion below depths of 12 -15 feet from June-September.
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Cassadaga Lake's extensive, natural wetland shoreline offers excellent cover for largemouth bass and anglers shouldn't pass up these brushy shoreline areas. Smallmouth bass are generally less common than largemouth bass, and are found in areas with gravel bottoms and drop-offs. Bass anglers have success with spinner baits, surface plugs, plastic worms, crank baits and live bait, such as crayfish and shiners.
Muskellunge, Northern Pike and Walleye: Northern pike, which reproduce naturally, and muskellunge, which are stocked as fingerlings by DEC, provide anglers with the opportunity for a true trophy. Muskellunge in Cassadaga Lakes can exceed 40 inches in length, while northern pike over 30 inches can be caught. Large, live minnows and 8 - 12 inches imitation baitfish lures will take some nice fish. Walleye are found in limited numbers in Cassadaga Lakes, but legal size fish are caught occasionally.
Panfish: Panfish provide plenty of action for the angler on the Cassadaga Lakes. The most common species are bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, yellow perch and brown bullhead. Panfish are caught year-round and ice fishing is a popular winter activity. Live baits such as minnows or worms usually produce the best catches, but small jigs and lures also work well. When sunfish are on their spawning beds in the spring, try using an 8 foot, 3-4 weight fly rod with surface poppers or wet flies. They can provide some fast and fun action. Bullheads are most active after sunset and can be taken using nightcrawlers or scented baits.
Ice Fishing:
Ice fishing is permitted on the Cassadaga Lakes.
