Chautauqua Creek - Westfield - New York

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month	Hatch	Time of Day	Recommended Fly Sizes	Popular Fly Patterns
January	Midges	Afternoon	#20-24	Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat
February	Midges, Stoneflies	Afternoon	#20-24, #6-10	Zebra Midge, Black Stonefly
March	Black Stoneflies	Warmer parts of the day	#6-10	Black Stonefly Nymph, Carlson's Black Stone
March	Blue Winged Olive (BWO)	Afternoon	#16-20	BWO Parachute, BWO Emerger
April	BWO, Hendricksons	Afternoon	#14-16	Comparadun BWO, Red Quill
	Little Black Caddis	Evening	#18-20	Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
	Grannom Caddis	All Day	#12-16	Grannom Pupa, Grannom Dry Fly
May	Brown Drake, March Brown	Morning and Evening	#10-12	March Brown Dun, Brown Drake Parachute
May	Green Drake	Evening	#8-10	Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Emerger
June	Slate Drake, Sulphurs	Morning and Evening	#12-14, #16-18	Slate Drake Dun, Sulphur Dun
July	Terrestrials, Tricos	Morning and Afternoon	#20-24, #14-18	Ant Patterns, Trico Spinner
August	Terrestrials, Tricos	Morning and Afternoon	#20-24, #14-18	Hopper Patterns, Trico Spinner
September	Terrestrials, Tricos	Morning and Afternoon	#20-24, #14-18	Spider Patterns, Trico Spinner
September	October Caddis	Evening	#10-12	October Caddis Adult, October Caddis Pupa
October	Blue Winged Olive (BWO)	Afternoon	#18-22	BWO Parachute, BWO Emerger
November	Midges	Afternoon	#20-24	Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat
December	Midges	Afternoon	#20-24	Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out.

Best Fishing Spots

Stedman Corners: Accessible spots along the creek with high catch rates in the fall and spring.
Westfield Waterworks: An excellent area near the dam, great for fly fishing but it gets crowded during peak season.
Underneath Route 5 Bridge: Fly fishermen can catch steelhead and brown trout conveniently located near parking areas.
Campbell Road: A hidden gem with less crowd and more fish, perfect for those seeking a peaceful fishing experience.
Lower Gorge: This is a challenging spot but with riches for experienced fly fishermen, icy in winter.

These locations offer diverse experiences along the Chautauqua Creek, welcoming both beginners and experienced professional fishermen.

Best Access Points

Chautauqua Creek, Westfield is a top-rated fly fishing destination in New York State. Some of the prime access points to fish along this trout-rich stream include:

Note that special regulations apply; be sure to check from the Department of Environmental Conservation. Aside from excellent access points, devote some time to explore the surrounding region for a rewarding fly fishing experience.

Local Fish

Steelhead Trout: This fish is at its peak in Chautauqua Creek around the month of October, though it can also be found in other months.
Brown Trout: The Brown Trout can be found all year round in the creek, providing solid targets for anglers.
Chinook Salmon: Fly fishing for these fish occurs during fall months, specifically around late September to early October.
Coho Salmon: These are also targeted by fly fishers during the fall season, often found in large schools.
Rainbow Trout: They can be found year-round in Chautauqua Creek and are known for their aggressive strikes and swift runs.
Brook Trout: Native to the creek, these fish are often targeted by fly fishers due to their size and likeliness to put up a fight.
Smallmouth Bass: Known for their powerful build and stubborn demeanor, these fish are a top target during the warm summer months.
Northern Pike: Though not as common as other fish, this predator is a real thrill to catch, known for its quick, fierce attacks.

About The River

Discover the diverse history of the Chautauqua Creek – Westfield in Western New York. This region is rich in history dating back to its indigenous inhabitants, the Erie Nation. Over time, it has grown into a wonderful spot to appreciate nature and partake in family-friendly activities.

This vibrant landscape attracted settlers who, by the 1800s, had established numerous sawmills along the creek. Chautauqua Creek also played a key role in the ice industry, locally and in other states, during the pre-refrigeration era. Today, Chautauqua Creek – Westfield remains a beloved spot for fishing (especially steelhead), outdoors enthusiasts, and history buffs. Find a piece of wilderness, adventure, and history in the heart of Western New York at Chautauqua Creek!