Airview Lake in Okanogan County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Okanogan County, Washington, this is Airview Lake. Rolling bush runs right down to the water. About 3 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. On size it sits at the modest end of our Okanogan County list. Nearest town is Keremeos, 25 miles off. The nearest city of size is Kelowna, 73 miles away. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Airview Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Reported across Okanogan County: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, sockeye salmon and yellow perch. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Airview Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 51°F and December at 15°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late May. Climate averages put the opening at about late May and the closing near early November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. The season on Airview Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. You can camp about half a mile away, going by the mapping. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Cornwell Lake, 0.6 miles away. For Airview Lake in particular, ask before you travel.