Chautauqua Lake is a musky-focus hotspot, and early summer musky fishing can be jaw-dropping fun.

The Western New York Musky Showdown Tournament at Chautauqua Lake last weekend (June 21-22) was a thrilling two-day event. The competition was fierce, with catch-photo-release rules and no use of forward-facing sonar permitted.

Sponsored by Muskies Inc. Chapter 69 (New York), the tournament saw most competitors launching from Long Point State Park, with other boat launches at Prendergast Point, Bemus Bay, Lakeside Park in Mayville and many other spots on the 17-mile-long lake also open for action.

Fishing for muskellunge in June can be incredibly productive as the water warms and muskies become more active in their post-spawn period. In the middle of June and into July, musky can become aggressive and respond very well to flashy lures with vibration. Anglers in the know fish the weed edges, breaklines and shallow flats, but these voracious predators can sometimes be found anywhere.

The Doug Comey-Jim Schaefer team fooled a whopper 45-inch Chautauqua Musky; they used casting techniques to catch this giant for second place. They caught two total, both casting. Photo courtesy of Muskies Inc. Chapter 69 (New York)

The competition was fierce, but it was the father-son team of Brandon and Gavin Guthrie, and Joe Dancho who emerged victorious. Their catch of three musky giants, including 45-inch, 44-inch and 35-inch fish, secured their win.

In second place, Doug Coney and Jim Schafer caught a 45-inch and 36-inch fish, while Chris Petro and Bobby Kish took third place with 36-inch, 35-inch and 33-inch muskies. The biggest fish award went to the Dave Commons and Blaine Bennett team with a true, thick 45-inch monster.

The Saturday after-tournament dinner and raffle was held at Lakeside Park in Mayville, while the Sunday awards ceremony (and shared secrets for next time) was held at Long Point State Park.

Musky anglers generally use bright colors (orange, black/nickel, chartreuse) on cloudy days and more natural tones (white, perch, black) on sunny days. Early morning is typically best for topwater baits, a favorite tactic ritual for some musky anglers; some say — “just do it.” Baits such as Whopper Ploppers, Hawg Wobblers, and similar forage decoys can be effective with a slow and steady retrieve; pausing now and then is the trick that can generate an explosive strike.

Longer rods help cast large lures with ease and allow for figure-8 boatside maneuvers, sometimes a key to trigger strikes. Musky rods are typically 8 to 9 feet long, heavy or extra heavy power, fast action. Reels are typically size 300-400 baitcasters with a strong drag system (Shimano Tranx 400, Daiwa Lexa 400, etc.) loaded with 80-pound braid and a 100-pound fluorocarbon leader to the lure. Casters caught more fish than trollers last week; they had to bring their good arm because casting those huge plugs is hard work, but fun work.

Nationally renowned musky lure builders Bill Crane, left, and Zach Baker discuss lure colors, actions, sizes, and their favorite hand-crafted baits to fool the giant musky apex predators that swim Chautauqua Lake. Photo courtesy of Mark Marinelli/Doc Bishop

Many June-July musky anglers focus on the 5-12 foot depths of the south basin in Bemus Bay, Asheville Bay and the Lakewood area, but north basin hotspots quickly become the July hotspot when south basin waters warm and weed control/algae control becomes an issue. Trolling the deep weedline edge can be a good option when casting slows, but that was not the case last weekend. It was a “rod-in-hand” musky caster’s dream team weekend.

Hats off to Chairperson Katia Rivers and her tournament team of volunteers from Muskies Inc. Chapter 69 (New York), and other musky chapters, for keeping the event fun, honest and exciting.

Don’t miss out on the action; join us and experience the thrill of musky fishing at Chautauqua Lake. Just remember to keep your toes out of the water.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

June 27: WNY Heroes Day (Dunkirk), Contact Jim Steel; 716-481-5348; https://wnyheroes.org/.

July 28: Lew Mead Memorial Kids Memorial Fishing Derby, 16 and under, no fishing license required for adult help, Dale Road Boat Launch is registration site, starts at 7 a.m., Derby at 11 a.m. with weigh-in. Info: Steve Wickmark, 716-595-2900.

June 28-29: NYS Free Fishing Days, no license needed to fish for residents and non-residents.