State: New York

County: Chautauqua County

Dam name: No Dam

Is the lake in the mountains: Yes

Ownership: Public

Scheduled water level: Full Pool Year Round

Acreage covered: 13,156

Miles of shoreline: 41

Average lake depth: 25 ft

Deepest lake depth: 78 ft

Shoreline part of national forest or park: None

Shoreline part of state park: None

Popular fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Muskellunge Pike, Northern Pike, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Walleye

Condos available: Yes

Notable period of annual events: Colors of Chautauqua Fall Harvest Festival, Chautauqua Lake Bass Tournament, Jamestown Public Farmers Market, Annual Haunted House behind the Chautauqua Mall, Veteran's Day 5K, Full Moon Paddle on Chautauqua Lake (Summer Months Only),

Sailing clubs: Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club

Interesting facts: Famed comedienne Lucille Ball grew up in West Jamestown, along the shores of Chautauqua Lake, and today Jamestown is also the home to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, which offers exhibits and a DesiLu playhouse. Jamestown is also home to the Lucille Ball Memorial Park.

Known for: Chautauqua County produces more than 60% of New York's yearly grape harvest. Winemakers in Chautauqua produce a range of sweet to dry wines, brandies, and sparkling wines at more than 20 wineries along the Lake Erie-Chautauqua Wine Trail.

History: Three glacial pauses resulted in Chautauqua Lake being created in the form of two basins, each initially having some differing properties due to the characteristics of the two glacial retreats.

Number of public boat ramps: 7

Other notes: Chautauqua County has a large Amish population, which provides many opportunities to purchase homemade goods, crafts and food.

Major

Buffalo Niagara International Airport

4200 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14225

79 miles away

Minor

Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport

3163 Airport Drive, Jamestown, NY 14701

8 miles away