What You'll Find at Long Point State Park
Long Point State Park sits on the eastern shore of Chautauqua Lake in Bemus Point, New York, and it's one of the most accessible public fishing spots on the lake. The park has a boat launch, a fishing pier, and shoreline access that doesn't require a private dock or membership. You can fish from the pier year-round, launch a boat during operating season, or wade the shallows along the eastern bank depending on water levels and time of year.
The lake itself holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and panfish—mostly bluegill and crappie. Chautauqua is a glacial lake about 17 miles long and relatively shallow for its size, which means structure matters more than depth. Long Point gives you access to both the open water and the weed beds and drop-offs that hold fish in different seasons.
Key Takeaways
- Long Point has a public boat launch, fishing pier, and shoreline access without requiring a private dock or membership.
- The park is open year-round for fishing, though the boat launch operates seasonally—typically May through October.
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and panfish are the main species; spring and fall are the most productive seasons.
- Parking is limited and fills quickly on weekends, so arrive early or fish weekday mornings.
- A New York State fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Getting There and What to Bring
Long Point State Park is located at 8270 Route 20 in Bemus Point, about 15 minutes south of Mayville. If you're coming from the north end of Chautauqua Lake, take Route 20 south along the eastern shore. The park entrance is marked, and there's a small parking area near the boat launch and pier.
Parking fills up fast on weekend mornings and summer evenings, especially during the walleye bite in May and June. If you can't find a spot, there's additional parking at the day-use area near the picnic grounds, though it's a short walk to the water. Arrive by 7 a.m. on weekends if you want a may provide spot near the launch.
Bring a New York State fishing license if you're 16 or older—you can get a temporary license online through the Department of Environmental Conservation website or at most bait shops in the area. If you're launching a boat, make sure your registration is current and your trailer lights work; the launch can be busy and backing up in poor visibility causes delays.
Fishing the Pier and Shoreline
The fishing pier at Long Point is the easiest entry point if you don't have a boat. It extends into water that's typically 8 to 12 feet deep, and it's productive for both bass and walleye, especially in spring and fall. Early morning and evening are best; midday fishing is slower unless you're targeting panfish in the shallows.
From the pier, cast toward the weed beds that grow along the eastern shore in summer. Largemouth bass hold tight to that vegetation, and a 4-inch soft plastic on a light jig head or a topwater lure in low light will draw strikes. For walleye, live shiners or small crankbaits work better than artificials, and you'll have better luck in May and June when they're shallow before the summer heat pushes them deeper.
If you want to wade, the shoreline east of the pier has a gradual drop and sandy bottom in places. Water clarity varies by season—it's usually clearer in spring and fall, murkier in summer. Wade early or late in the day, and watch for drop-offs; the bottom can shelf off quickly in a few spots.
Launching a Boat and Working the Lake
The boat launch at Long Point is a single-lane concrete ramp in decent condition, though it can get crowded on weekend mornings. The ramp is usable most of the season, but water levels can drop in late summer and early fall, making the approach shallower. If you're launching in August or September, ask at the park office whether the ramp is passable for your boat's draft.
Once you're on the water, the structure that holds fish is concentrated along the eastern and western shores. The eastern shore—where Long Point sits—has weed beds in summer and drop-offs that start around 15 to 20 feet out. The western shore near Mayville has deeper water and steeper banks, which is where walleye move in midsummer when the shallows warm up.
Smallmouth bass prefer rocky areas and deeper structure; you'll find them along the western shore and around the deeper holes in the center of the lake. Largemouth bass stay shallow and in vegetation. If you're fishing for walleye in June and July, drift live shiners along the 20- to 30-foot contour on the western side, or troll small crankbaits in the same zone.
Seasonal Patterns and Best Times
Spring (April through May) is the most productive season at Chautauqua. Walleye move shallow to spawn, and largemouth bass are feeding hard after winter. Fish the pier and shoreline in the morning, or work the weed beds with soft plastics if you have a boat. Water temperature in May is typically 55 to 65 degrees, and fish are aggressive.
Summer (June through August) is slower overall, but early morning and evening remain good. Walleye retreat to deeper water, and largemouth bass move into thick weeds. Panfish bite consistently in the shallows, especially bluegill and crappie around the pier pilings and in the weed beds. Midday fishing is tough unless you're targeting panfish in deeper holes.
Fall (September through October) is the second-best season. Water cools, fish move back to the shallows, and both bass and walleye feed heavily before winter. The boat launch may become difficult to use as water levels drop, so check conditions before you go. Shore fishing and pier fishing are excellent in fall.
Winter fishing is possible from the pier and shoreline, but the park can be icy and access may be limited. Call ahead to confirm conditions if you're planning a winter trip.
Rules, Licenses, and What to Know Before You Go
New York State requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license, a seven-day license, or an annual license through the DEC website or at local bait shops. The cost varies, but a one-day license is typically under $10.
Chautauqua Lake has specific regulations on bass and walleye. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a five-fish daily limit. Smallmouth bass are 12 inches minimum with a five-fish limit. Walleye are 15 inches minimum with a five-fish limit. Panfish have no size limit and a 50-fish daily limit, though most anglers keep far fewer. Check the current DEC regulations before you fish, as rules can change year to year.
The park has a day-use fee of a few dollars per vehicle, payable at the entrance. The boat launch has a separate fee if you're launching—typically $5 to $10 per day. Hours vary by season; the park is generally open from sunrise to sunset, but the boat launch closes in winter.
Nearby Bait and Tackle Shops
Bemus Point Bait and Tackle is the closest shop to Long Point, located on Route 20 just north of the park. They stock live shiners, crawlers, and minnows, plus basic tackle and lures. They can also tell you what's been biting recently and whether the walleye are shallow or deep.
If you need more selection or specialty gear, Chautauqua Outfitters in Mayville carries a wider range of lures, rods, and reels. Both shops sell fishing licenses and can answer questions about current conditions on the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish Long Point State Park year-round?
Yes, the pier and shoreline are open year-round for fishing. The boat launch operates seasonally, typically May through October, depending on water levels and weather. Winter access can be limited by ice and snow, so call the park office before you go.
What's the best time to catch walleye at Long Point?
May and June are peak walleye season when they're shallow and feeding. Fish early morning or evening from the pier, or drift live shiners if you have a boat. By July, they move deeper and are harder to catch from shore.
Do I need a boat to fish Long Point?
No. The pier and shoreline provide good fishing without a boat, especially for largemouth bass and panfish. A boat gives you access to more water and deeper structure, but shore fishing is productive in spring and fall.
How crowded is the parking at Long Point on weekends?
Parking fills quickly on weekend mornings and summer evenings. Arrive by 7 a.m. if you want a spot near the launch, or fish on weekday mornings when the park is quieter. There's overflow parking near the picnic area if the main lot is full.
What size bass can I keep at Chautauqua Lake?
Both largemouth and smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a five-fish daily limit. Check the current DEC regulations before you fish, as rules can change.