About Chaumont Bay, NY

Chaumont Bay is a popular fishing location in Jefferson County situated on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. Guffin Creek, Chaumont River, and the Three Mile Creek are among its tributaries. Its 9,000-acre embayment, as well as its many tributaries, make it the largest freshwater bay in the world. 

In the previous decades, Chaumont Bay was originally a port of trade for the nearby villages. Today, it is a spot frequented by families that are into recreational water activities such as swimming, sailing, and of course, fishing. The Chaumont Bay-Three Mile Bay is often referred to as the “Golden Crescent” - named as such because of its abundance of fish all year round.

All About Fishing in Chaumont Bay, NY

Chaumont Bay’s unique shoreline, varying water depths, rocky shores, and rocky bottom make it perfect for fish to spawn. Smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and channel catfish are commonly reeled in by local and visiting anglers. Due to the stellar ecosystem in Chaumont Bay, fish tend to grow into massive sizes. Smaller fish typically feed on the weedy bottom of the bay. The enormous ones feed on smaller fish. 

Spinning is a popular technique used by anglers, especially those looking to catch smallmouth bass. Anglers could also easily rig massive walleye by targeting any of the many weed clumps in Chaumont Bay. Jigging, on the other hand, is popular among anglers looking for perch. Luring perch, especially during winter, is more effective when jigging using bead spoons as bait. Baitcasting is also a common technique used during the winter season. Since Chaumont Bay has shoals and shallow waters that could hold baitfish, anglers take advantage of these spots.

Trolling in the deep waters is a common technique used in Chaumont Bay especially during the warmer months. If you do not have your own boat, there are a lot of local charter boats trolling in the area that cater to visiting anglers. There are also a lot of local launches around the bay that are free to use, and some are available to rent. Since fish species tend to grow massive in Chaumont Bay, most anglers prefer boats to get to the deeper waters. Anglers who fish to sell also prefer this, especially since there is no limit to the amount of Perch you could bring home, making fishing a common livelihood among locals. Fishing from the shores is also common practice in Chaumont Bay and is a popular activity among kids looking to find catfish. 

Fishing Seasonality

Due to the abundance of perch and walleye in Chaumont Bay, every day is a good day for fishing bass, perch, and walleye. Although Chaumont Bay is a popular summer destination among families, it has gained greater attention in recent years for its ice fishing festivities during the colder months. Ice fishing has become a sport among locals and has since become popular among tourists. During the winter, chances of getting walleye that grow up to 13-pounds are common to catch. Anglers make use of snowmobiles or snow dogs to get to the good spots. However, local anglers advise tourists that ice fishing is a very dangerous activity. Multiple anglers slip through ice each year due to the changing wind directions across the bay. 

Fishing Seasonality

Due to the abundance of perch and walleye in Chaumont Bay, every day is a good day for fishing bass, perch, and walleye. Although Chaumont Bay is a popular summer destination among families, it has gained greater attention in recent years for its ice fishing festivities during the colder months. Ice fishing has become a sport among locals and has since become popular among tourists. During the winter, chances of getting walleye that grow up to 13-pounds are common to catch. Anglers make use of snowmobiles or snow dogs to get to the good spots. However, local anglers advise tourists that ice fishing is a very dangerous activity. Multiple anglers slip through ice each year due to the changing wind directions across the bay.