Buckhorn Lake

Buckhorn Lake is a lake in Jefferson County, Washington and covers about 1.2 acres.

The small size of Buckhorn Lake makes quiet casts and short moves more useful than carrying a pile of tackle.

Fish and Baits

Fish listed for Buckhorn Lake include Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Rainbow Trout.

During a cool spring morning near a protected point in clear water, cast a small spoon, inline spinner, light jig, or fly through cool water for rainbow trout.

How to Read the Water

During the final pass near the outside weed line with a slow lure, use wind as a clue; a light push can carry food toward a bank, but hard wind may muddy it, so look for a clean edge near a point or protected pocket.

Season by Season

While using a simple two-depth check near a small drop with a slow lure, spring fishing starts with warming banks, creek mouths, and shallow cover; summer usually pushes the better bite toward the outside weed edge or a nearby drop; fall can bring bait back to windblown points, while winter calls for smaller moves and a slower pace.

A Simple Tackle Plan

During a steady fall day near a shaded bank before changing depth, a light spinning rod, thin line, a few small spoons, inline spinners, and jigs cover the listed trout; carry one slightly heavier setup when other fish or windy water call for more control.

During a short evening pass near the first break after warm rain, record the wind, water color, depth along the active edge, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.