This site is most productive in migration and winter, it is the top location in Frederick county to find diving ducks and other waterfowl. The lake can be easily scoped from the boat launch, although walking up to the dam can often provide better views further up the lake. Particularly during migration it can be worth walking down to the marshy area at the base of the dam, this area is good for sparrows and has hosted Marsh Wren in migration. During the early fall and late spring in particular you will want to visit the lake as early as possible. The lake is heavily used by fishermen and if there are too many boats on the lake the birds will often leave. Fortunately this is rarely an issue once the weather gets colder, which is the best time to visit this site. As one of the larger bodies of water in the northern Shenandoah Valley, Lake Frederick is a magnet for migrating waterfowl. After storms pass through in the late fall and early spring the lake is often full of a variety of birds waiting out the poor weather. Notable records include Long-tailed Duck(several records), Surf Scoter(several records), White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Red-necked Grebe(several records), Red-throated Loon, American White Pelican(twice), Band-rumped Storm-Petrel(after Hurricane Isabel in 2003) and American Avocet.
Accessibility: Open dawn to dusk, VDGIF access permit or fishing license required.
Owner/Manager: Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
eBird Hotspot: Lake Frederick
—James Fox