Shaw Lake in Snohomish County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Snohomish County in Washington is where Shaw Lake sits. Salt water lies 24 miles off. At 5 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Gold Bar is the closest place, 5.3 miles off. Sultan is 7.5 miles and Woods Creek 10 miles. Close neighbours run: Jay Lake at about 1.2 miles, Cecelia Lake within 1.4 miles, Wallace Lake at about 2.1 miles, Lake Stickney within 2.9 miles and Rose Lake at about 3.7 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Shaw Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Snohomish County include Chinook salmon, pink salmon, Coho salmon and largemouth bass. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Take Shaw Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 61°F, the coldest about 35°F. The swings are modest, so patterns change slowly. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Shaw Lake. Wind direction matters more than wind strength.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping shows a campsite some 110 yards from the water. Picnic facilities are recorded some 90 yards out. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Jay Lake, 1.2 miles away. Ask locally about Shaw Lake if anything is unclear.