Prendergast Creek originates in a wetland in Whalen Memorial State Forest and flows for about 8 miles before emptying into Chautauqua Lake at Prendergast Point. The fishable portion of the stream extends for about 3.5 miles and consists of two very distinct sections: the wild brown trout section, which extends from the mouth of Wing Creek downstream to about a half mile upstream of Route 394, and the short section that extends from just above Route 394 to Chautauqua Lake.

Wing Creek flows into Prendergast Creek about 600 feet downstream of the crossing at Webber Road, and the infusion of cold, high-quality water transforms Prendergast Creek into a good-quality wild trout stream. Upstream of the mouth of Wing Creek, Prendergast Creek has generally poor trout habitat, due largely to excessively high water temperatures, and supports only a very small population of wild trout. Wing Creek is the only fishable tributary of Prendergast Creek. 

The wild trout section of Prendergast Creek ranges from 10 to 20 feet in width; has a bed of gravel, rubble, and pockets of sand and clay; and flows through a largely intact riparian corridor. This section meanders back and forth across nearly flat terrain, often resulting in severe bank erosion, and some sections have been affected by past gravel mining operations. The mining led to downcutting of the stream bed and excessive bank erosion in some areas, and some stream banks have been stabilized with riprap to protect adjacent properties. Consequently, there is little streamside vegetation to provide cover for trout; however, trout find habitat in numerous deep pools and piles of large woody debris. 

Some of the wild brown trout found in this stream are quite large. These are often fish that originate in Prendergast Creek and, for a portion of the year, move out into Chautauqua Lake to feed on the lake's abundant forage fish. The brown trout grow big in the lake, some reaching up to 20+ inches, and return to the stream in the summer to escape warm water temperatures in the lake. The DEC has determined that these fish live at least part of the year in the lake based on the growth pattern of their scales. 

Unfortunately, there are no public fishing rights along Prendergast Creek upstream of Route 394, and much of the stream is posted. Be sure to obtain landowner permission before fishing there.

The lower section of Prendergast Creek is quite short, extending for about a mile, most of which is downstream of Route 394. Immediately downstream of Route 349, the stream flows along the south side of the DEC's muskellunge hatchery property. This is state property, which you are allowed to access, and the public is allowed to fish in Prendergast Creek from this property—but not in the rearing pens! (Note that hunting is not allowed on the hatchery property.) This section of the stream can be a very productive stretch of water, since virtually every species of fish that swims in Chautauqua Lake, including muskies, walleye, bass, and panfish, are likely found in this stream at some time during the year. Locals have told me that there is a substantial run of walleye in this stream, and they often make their way at least as far upstream as the campground located along Davis Road. 

The lower end of Prendergast Creek borders the northern side of the Prendergast Creek Wetland Preserve, which is owned by the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (see Links). For an eBird list of bird species identified along the creek and in the preserve, see Links. 

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Links to associated resources (Chautauqua Lake and Whalen Memorial State Forest) will be added soon.