Washington's Okanogan County is well known for it's outstanding fishing opportunities for numerous species of game fish. One little lake that receives little attention in an area of many larger productive lakes is Silver Nail. Located only about a quarter of a mile from the U.S./Canadian border it provides excellent opportunities for largemouth bass and crappie.
When I fished there , I didn't even launch a boat. I could see largemouth bass cruising in the clear water almost constantly. Two areas on the east shoreline provide openings to cast lures from the bank.
It was a hot sunny day, about noon when I arrived. I decided to cast floating minnow lures from the shoreline. On the very first cast, I hooked a small bass about 10 inches long. I fished for about an hour and had a strike or a hookup on almost every cast.
Other lures that should work well include 1/4 ounce white spinnerbaits and shallow running crankbaits. The bottom is quite weedy during the summer and fall.
Although the bass, I caught were all "sub-lunkers," I had a chance to talk to a local fisherman that came to the gravel pit for – what else -- gravel. He said that there were some really large fish in the lake. He also said the lake provides some good winter ice fishing
The lake has an old "Game Department" access area that provides some parking space and an area where an angler could launch a car-topper, canoe or inflatable. Most of the shoreline has thick cattails and short brush, making much of the lake almost impossible to fish without a boat.
To get to Silver Nail Lake from Oroville Washington, travel north on Highway #97 about 4 miles -- almost to the Canadian border. Turn left just past the Super Duper Food store. Travel left for only about .1 mile to Trailer Park. Turn left just before the first trailer and travel another .1 mile to the "Game Department" public access. To fish from the shoreline, try the two places marked on the map just below the gravel pit.

Update: Since I last fished this little lake the rules have changed to Juvenile anglers under 15 years old only.

Overview and Photo by: Bob Johansen