Osoyoos Lake

Located above Zosel Dam in Oroville, this lake spans the border with Canada. Good smallmouth fishing spring through fall months. Kokanee are also present, and in years of good returns. Sockeye are occasionally caught during good return years, but is not frequent as fish quickly migrate through seeking the cooler north end of the lake. There are usually no fishing seasons for steelhead and chinook salmon in Osoyoos. Best fished from a boat that can be launched at the state park at the south end of the lake.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Except at state park, private property makes shore access difficult

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Okanogan
Acreage: 2062.30 ac.
Elevation: 916 ft.
Center: 48.977513, -119.437142
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Fishing resources

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.

Kokanee

The Kokanee fishery typically lasts from April-October before the adults leave the lake to spawn in tributaries starting in late-October and early-November. Fishing is best in the spring before they move into deeper water to avoid warming water temperatures, but they can be targeted throughout the summer in deeper offshore areas near the thermocline. There may be a slight uptick in some waters in the fall as adults return to shallower water and move near shore towards spawning tributaries.

Smallmouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.

Yellow perch

Yellow Perch can be caught year-round. Fishing is best in the summer after they finish spawning in April-May. Fish can be readily angled through the summer from both the shore and boat. Catch begins to decline in the fall as water temperatures cool and fish move offshore forcing anglers to pursue them in boats. Successful fishing for Yellow Perch in the winter involves either targeting schools in deep water from boats or through the ice.