Lake Chautauqua, NY

[boatman37]

anyone here boat on chautauqua near bemus point? we had thought about renting a house there this summer and taking the boat but then thought maybe we could just rent a transient slip for the weekend and sleep in the boat. anywhere around there that offers this? with shore power and bathrooms/showers?

 

[blaster]

On lake Chautauqua there really isn't any place with facility's for transients. There are plenty of marinas, but not any where you can stay aboard as you describe.

I tow my 205 up there for a couple weeks every summer and stay at the Chautauqua institution. The North basin is the deep part of the lake, the South basin is much shallower. Gas is very expensive on the lake, so fill up before you put in. The cheapest gas will be in Jamestown at the far end of the South basin.

The water quality gets poor by the beginning of August due to cyanobacteria blooms, but 2015 was better than it has been in the last 15 years. They had to close areas to swimming when I was there in 2014.

I would just rent a slip and get a room somewhere. Or if you want a cheap cottage you could try we wan Chu just south of Chautauqua institution. http://wewanchu.com/wp1/

Or there's camp Chautauqua. http://www.campchautauqua.com

If you enjoy fishing, Chautauqua lake is known for its muskie. Walleye fishing is also good, as well as small mouth bass.

Admission to Chautauqua institution is free in Sundays and you can tie up at the central dock and explore the institution. There's also a small maritime museum near Bemus that has cool wooden boats and vintage outboards.

If you have any specific questions, PM me and I will consult some local chautauqua friends for answers.