I have sent an email, shown below, to the District Forrester of the Naches District asking that the opening of the Leech Lake boat launch be made a priority. There are good reasons why the whole camp might not be ready for use but the boat launch is quite accessable on a day use basis. There are a lot of us who would like to get on the water as soon as the ice is out. If we express our wishes in good numbers we will stand a much better chance of success. A simple, one line message is all that is required. The email address of the District Forrester is: idavidson@fs.fed.us. I am also going to contact the relevant fly clubs and ask for their support. Irene Davidson Naches District Ranger, USFS 10237 Highway 12 Naches, WA 98937 Dear Ms. Davidson, I am an avid fly fisherman who has used the Leech Lake facility for many years, and do so often each year. Many others share my enthusiasm for camping and fishing at this lake. The lake is typically ice free, and the road passable, sometime around Memorial Day. The fishing is excellent at this time, and many people would like to participate. In recent years this hasn't been possible, because the gate remains closed until late June. I understand that the late opening is due to the need to inspect and clean up the camping area. I'd like to see the USFS make early opening of the Leech Lake boat launch area a high priority, since it's a low cost way to provide highly valuable recreation opportunities. The camping area could be blocked off with signs and jersey barriers until the USFS ensures the area is safe for that activity. I plan to contact the organized fly clubs in the state of Washington and ask them to provide their support for this priority. I also plan to post an open letter on the Washington Fly Fishing Forum (http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/) and ask for individuals to support this issue. My hope is that we fly fishers can communicate our numbers and our wishes that an early opening of this facility can be realized this year and in the future. Please let me know if there is anything else we can do, or anyone else we can contact, to accomplish this objective. Thank you for your consideration, Jerry Metcalf Enumclaw, WA
I hope all you viewers are sending emails to the FS. With nearly a hundred views, if we had a hundred emails it would certainly generate some attention to the issue. Jerry
I called and talked to the ranger last week and she told me that they had just looked at the area and had scheduled another look mid june. I went up there any way and took a look at the lake and parts of it are still iced over. there is also 4 to 6 feet of snow between the gate and the lake. However that being said you can park in front of the gate and snow shoe in a float tube and fish if you want.
By the time the snow is gone and all the hazard trees are cut, dog and leech will not be open until the end of June if not longer. You can park by the yurt and access the lake there. Also, the boat launch is never open by memorial day unless it was a crappy winter for snow. It is not a priority to get it open for the public right now. If you have feet, walk in. Mom was up there for work yesterday and said the ice was just about off. 3/4 water open.
Naches Sportsman highlights exactly the issue I was talking about. Without changing priorities, we won't get use of the lake until much later. My proposal is to change those plans with a low cost action that beneifts a lot of people. It is as simple as being heard and sending the FS a message will add your voice. Without your messages, change is much less likely. I have fished Leech for 20+ years and have often found it open by early June, even before Memorial Day in exceptional years. It is certainly chilly but the fishing can be memorable. With the ice nearly off, we just need access. Also, just walking in is not so simple for some of us. Jerry
I guess I never really thought about it before the snow melted away. I've usually done fine on buggers/soft hackles/san juan worms and do well on top at the right times. I've noticed that over the last several years the size of the Brookies has gone up - presumably because the number has decreased due to the triploids in there. It's a fun lake with some nice fish.
I got a response from the USFS and I am sharing it with you. We ought to be about ready to access the lake given the weather. You will have to call 509-653-1401 to get the latest status. Thanks so much for all your inquiries into the opening of Leech Lake. I understand wanting to get into this lake for some early season fishing, yet it is my responsibility to make sure the area is safe for the public. I spoke with my recreation folks and they have been up to Leech Lake site several times trying to get the area open for the season. Because of the snow and the continual spring precipitation, we have not been able to do our work. Our first priority is to take care of the hazard trees, this has not been completed. In addition, when we open the parking area it really needs to be snow free. We have issues every year of opening early and having incidence with folks parking unsafely. So, I will say that as soon as the site has been cleared of any safety concerns and the parking area has melted out enough not to be a safety issue we will open up Leech Lake. Thanks for contacting me! Irene Davidson, District Ranger Naches Ranger District Okanogan Wenatchee NF idavidson@fs.fed.us (509) 653-1415 office (509) 834-9958 cell
Larry, Don't know the exact number of sites but there are very few and will not accomodate much more than a car or van. One would have a problem getting something larger in and out of there. If you want to camp nearby there is a gravel pit about 1/2 mile east of the pass and rangers once suggested overnighting there but there are no 'facilities'. Works best if you're in a van, camper, etc. Wouldn't recommend it for tenting. LJ
According to the forest service, there are 8 sites (see http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=58231&actid=29). Steve
