Fishing at Shoal Lake, Chelan County, Washington

• Overview

  Shoal Lake lies in Chelan County, Washington. It sits at 5,148 feet above sea level. About 2 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Chelan County. Leavenworth at 21 miles is the nearest place to stop. The nearest city of size is Bellevue, 51 miles away. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Shoal Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Species logged across Chelan County include cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and sockeye salmon. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Take Shoal Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 55°F; by December the average is down near 22°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early May. Expect the water usable from around early May until roughly late November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. It holds true on Shoal Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Lower Phoebe Lake is 0.3 miles off. Ask locally about Shoal Lake if anything is unclear.