Big Buck Lake

Also called Shaw or Frost, this lake is located within the Methow Wildlife Area. It is best fished with floating devices such as float tubes, pontoon boats, or small rowboats, which can be launched easily from the bank. Early and late season producer, but can also be fished during winter through the ice. A mild winterkill event occurred in winter 2017-2018, so expect to catch some holdover rainbows up to 16 inches along with newly planted rainbows in the 11-12 inch range.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Shore access good for anglers along roadway.

Species you might catch

Rainbow trout

Lake information

County: Okanogan
Acreage: 23.50 ac.
Elevation: 2345 ft.
Center: 48.395525, -120.184783
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: BIG BUCK LK (OKAN)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Apr 24, 2023	Rainbow	300	1.31	WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 18, 2022	Rainbow	350	2.26	WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 29, 2021	Rainbow	25	2.12	WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 28, 2020	Rainbow	350	2.12	WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 22, 2019	Rainbow	350	1.83	WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 22, 2019	Rainbow	25	18	WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 10, 2018	Rainbow	350	2.2	WELLS HATCHERY
May 12, 2017	Rainbow	550	2.5	WELLS HATCHERY
May 10, 2016	Rainbow	500	2.5	WELLS HATCHERY
May 20, 2014	Rainbow	700	2.5	WELLS HATCHERY

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.

Photos

Photo by WDFW