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Sun Lakes Wildlife Area Unit Outing

June 12 - June 14
Free
Fly fishing at Sun Lakes Wildlife Area for the WFFC club outing

The Sun Lakes Unit is located within the lower Grand Coulee, adjacent to Sun Lakes State Park. This area, carved by ancient glacial floods, features a 60-mile river bed rimmed by awe-inspiring basalt cliffs and talus slopes, offering a spectacular setting for stillwater fly fishing.

The Fisheries

  • Dry Falls Lake: A popular fishery for Rainbow, Brown, and Tiger trout.
  • Lenore Lake: A quality Lahontan Cutthroat fishery; these fish are known for their size and aggression.
  • Park & Blue Lakes: Reliable locations primarily for Rainbow trout.

Recommended Gear & Strategy

  • Watercraft: These lakes are best fished from a boat, float tube, or pontoon boat as shore access is limited.
  • Tackle: A 5-wt or 6-wt rod is ideal. Use long leaders (9ft–15ft) and fine tippet (5X–6X) to account for the clear water.
  • Lines: Bring a Floating line for dries/indicators and a Sinking or Intermediate line for stripping leeches.

June Fly List

Category Recommended Patterns Sizes
Midges/Chironomids Zebra Midge, Ice Cream Cone, Griffith’s Gnat #14–20
Mayflies Callibaetis Emergers, Parachute Adams, PMD #14–18
Damselflies Olive Willy, Damsel Nymphs, Deer Hair Damsel #10–14
Streamers/Leeches Balanced Leech (Black/Olive), Woolly Bugger #8–12
Terrestrials Foam Ants, Beetles, Parachute Hoppers #12–16

Member Checklist & Logistics

  • Lodging: Members are responsible for their own lodging. Most stay at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park. Book early!
  • Permits: A Discover Pass is required for parking at the Wildlife Area and WDFW access points.
  • Safety: A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is mandatory on all watercraft.
  • Essentials: Bring polarized sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and plenty of water for the desert heat.

Important Contacts

  • Outing Lead: Mike Nolan, WFFC Outings Chair.
  • Park Office & General Inquiries: (509) 632-5583.
  • State Park Reservations: (888) 226-7688.
  • Dry Falls Visitor Center: (509) 632-5214 (Great for recent hatch reports).

Details

Venue

Sun Lakes Wildlife Area Unit Outing

Free - but donation appreciated.

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