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

Lake information

County: Okanogan
Acreage: 23.50 ac.
Elevation: 2345 ft.
Center: 48.395525, -120.184783
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Catchable fish plants

Release Location: BIG BUCK LK (OKAN)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Apr 26, 2013 Rainbow 800 2.6 WELLS HATCHERY
May 18, 2012 Rainbow 1,000 2.2 WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 19, 2011 Rainbow 1,000 2 WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 12, 2010 Rainbow 1,000 1.95 WELLS HATCHERY
May 5, 2009 Rainbow 1,062 1.6 WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 20, 2006 Rainbow 329 2.6 WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 26, 2005 Rainbow 300 3 WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 23, 2004 Rainbow 1,015 2.9 WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 14, 2003 Rainbow 1,500 3 WELLS HATCHERY
Apr 22, 2002 Rainbow 2,000 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.
Chart showing fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Photos

Image
Big Buck Lake
Photo by WDFW