Cattaraugus Creek is a premier fishing destination in Western New York, flowing approximately 68 miles from its source at Java Lake through five counties before emptying into Lake Erie at Irving. Known locally as the Catt, this diverse waterway transitions from a small stream in its headwaters to a substantial river at its mouth. The creek features varied environments including swift riffles, deep pools, scenic gorges, and slow-moving sections through the Zoar Valley Unique Area. The creek is divided into two distinct fisheries by the Springville Dam (Scoby Dam), with the lower 34 miles supporting lake-run species and the upper 34 miles featuring a mixture of stocked and wild resident trout.