Findley Lake, situated in the serene southwestern Chautauqua County in the Town of Mina, is a tranquil 292-acre lake renowned for its diverse fish populations and recreational opportunities. The lake, perched at an elevation of 1,410 feet, boasts a maximum depth of 37 feet and an average depth of 11 feet. The shoreline, spanning 5.5 miles, offers ample space for many water activities, ensuring a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.
Findley Lake is a place for all, with its accessible public access for boats and canoes. You can find these facilities at two convenient sites on Route 426/430 in the Village of Findley Lake. The DEC operates a hand-launch site with parking for 25 cars, while the Findley Lake Association offers a ramp for trailered boats, open to the public on weekdays. The lake features a fishing platform, a boat mooring dock, and a separate kayak launching platform, all easily accessible via a concrete walkway with railings, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully enjoy the lake’s offerings.
The lake supports a variety of fish species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, tiger muskellunge, muskellunge, northern pike, walleye, black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Anglers should note that oxygen depletion occurs below depths of 13-15 feet from June to September, limiting fish habitation to shallower areas during this period.
Findley Lake is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of fish species to catch. The lake is teeming with life, from common panfish like black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, and pumpkinseed to largemouth and smallmouth bass. You can use live bait like worms, minnows, jigs, and small lures to catch these fish. The lake’s abundant aquatic vegetation provides excellent habitat for these species, making it a perfect spot for a fishing adventure.
Since 2009, the DEC has annually stocked Findley Lake with advanced muskellunge fingerlings, contributing to a growing musky population. Northern pike reproduce naturally and are typically found in the 18-25 inch range, though larger specimens are occasionally caught. Additionally, the DEC stocks 5,500 walleye fingerlings every other year to enhance angling opportunities.
The Findley Lake Watershed Foundation (FLWF) plays a pivotal role in the lake’s management. Its strong focus on water quality and maintaining the lake level minimizes damage to docks and other structures from ice flows. The FLWF also diligently addresses issues such as aquatic weed management to ensure the lake remains a prime location for recreation and fishing, providing security and assurance to all who visit.