Northwest Fly Anglers upcoming events

Yakima River, Upper Canyon (April 10, 2026)

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Outing Hosts: Scott Keenholts and Peter Maunsell

Whispering Pines Campground is located right on the Yakima River in the middle of the city of Cle Elum.

The upper Yakima River is very wadable. Fishing opportunities for waders are excellent in this area. The river here is highly diverse as it winds along, providing structure, seams, ripples, and even calm pools. Target fish include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, cut-bow trout, and whitefish. Relatively unseen from the road, the Whispering Pines Campground sits right on the Yakima River in the middle of the city of Cle Elum. Campground guests have access to over one mile of wadable shoreline. Moving downstream from the campground, anglers have public access to another mile of shoreline that offers excellent wading.

There is plenty of room for two-handed spey casting with soft hackle flies or small streamers. This area is very open for back casts. If you want to float, our campsite has a very nice boat ramp. Drifting would be to either the East Cle Elum boat ramp (nicknamed “States”) or to the Thorp boat ramp (nicknamed “Greenbridge”).

NFA has reserved the group site right on the river’s edge. This is an enormous flat space with plenty of room for RVs, tents, and vehicles. This is “dry camping” only, with no trailer hookups. The site includes several nice picnic tables, a private outhouse, and a fire pit. We will be able to walk and wade right out of our campsite. No need to drive to fish. Perfect for taking breaks or changing gear.

Campground facilities include a small mercantile store, bathrooms with showers, and water. We will have evening campfires after dark, so bring your chair, beverage, and campfire snacks. The group meals for this outing will be Friday and Saturday dinners, plus coffee for breakfast.

The Yakima is not a morning river! Therefore, mornings are the time to relax, talk, drink your morning beverage, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

Getting There:

Drive east on I-90 to Exit 84, Cle Elum.
Drive east down into town, passing a Safeway store, dropping down onto First Street. Proceed into town and turn right on S. Oakes Street.
Follow this street as it winds around and over the overpass of I-90. The road ends at Whispering Pine CG.
Take a very sharp left turn onto an improved dirt road (Whispering Pines Drive) that proceeds east 1 mile to our campsite. It is easy to see and very well marked.

What to Bring for Fishing:

The gear you need is a 4, 5, or even 6-weight rod. Early fishing, you may want a sink-tip leader with 4x tippet using nymphs like a Rubber Legs Pat’s Stone, Pink Sqiggly Worm, or any Tungsten Beadhead of your choice. Popular dry flies are BWO, March Brown, Elk Hair Caddis, Light Cahill or Adams, all #14 - #16, on a 5x tippet. Use floatant! Skwala are not as popular as the Lower Canyon, but are still worth trying.

And Don"t Forget:

Washington state fishing license.
Suitable floating devices, including a pontoon boat, raft, or drift boat, if you want to float.
PFD
It is very likely to be quite cool during the day and significantly colder at night. Bring clothes that will keep you warm. Although we are on the "dry" side of the Cascade, it rains here, too. Bring rain gear.
Hat and sunglasses
Net
Waders, wading boots, and wading staff.

What to Bring for Camping:

Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
Change of clothes (You may get wet)
Flashlight(s)
Folding Chair

Food and Beverages:

The $70.00 outing fee covers the cost of the group site, Friday and Saturday dinners, plus coffee in the morning.
Bring your own food for breakfasts and lunches.
Bring your own wine, beer, or hard stuff.

Cancellation Deadline: The cancellation deadline is 8:00 p.m. on the Sunday before the outing. If you need to cancel, please contact the Outing Host(s). There will be no refunds after the cancellation deadline.

Lenice Lake (April 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Host - Nick Sherman

This float tube outing to Lenice Lake (Sunday, April 12) follows the Sunday morning conclusion of the Yakima Upper Canyon outing on 4/10-12 (Friday to Sunday) and precedes the outing to Dusty Lake on the following day, Monday, April 13. Each is available individually or as part of a combined trip with one of the other two (each will require separate registration). Lenice is a little over an hour east of the Upper Yakima outing, so it makes a nice add-on. Or it is a 2-½ hour drive from Seattle.

Lenice Lake is a fairly short walk-in of a quarter mile with a 35’ descent. There is no shoreline fishing. Most anglers carry float tubes with shoulder straps or pack them in and inflate at the lake. A pontoon boat or kayak would be possible if you have wheels (the trail from the lot to the lake is sandy). Club members could help carry a light kayak.

Lenice Lake is a fairly small water located north of Mattawa. This lake is very productive and supports medium- to large-sized trout, although if it has been stocked, there may be smaller trout in there. Lenice is very popular with fly fishers. On average, Lenice Lake has been among the better-quality waters in District 5 (Grant and Adams Counties). At certain times of the year, Lenice Lake can see very high angler effort. Several fly fishing clubs from across the state hold annual outings at Lenice Lake. Per WDFW: Selective Gear Rules are in effect. Very few areas of shoreline fishing are effective. Last stocked in 2025, but this lake supports holdovers that grow well.

I have had success trolling a leech, micro-leech, or wooly bugger (olive, red, or brown) with a full sinking line. I have cast the same rig to rising trout, which is a lot of fun. I have not used a floating line, but that would probably work well, too. This trip is earlier in the season than I have done before, but I know the fish are there. I caught 20 to 40 fish in the 15” range on three trips last September.

There is an outhouse at the Lenice parking lot, but not at the lake. There is no water or anything else. Suffice it to say, Lenice is in the middle of nowhere. Don’t be discouraged by the desolate parking lot - Lenice is a pretty lake set against a basalt ridge.

A Discover Pass or WDFW Parking permit (comes with your fishing license) is required.

What to Bring:

The club is not providing food or refreshments. Eat before you come or bring your meal.
Water: Bring water with you to the lake from the parking lot. You won’t want to stop fishing to go back to the car.
Washington State fishing license
Float tube with waders or other backpackable flotation (raft, pontoon boat, kayak). Don’t forget your air pump for inflating, your fins, and your waders. [There are a lot of waterfowl, so waders are needed to protect against swimmer's itch.]
A PFD is always recommended for wading or riding in boats
4-6 weight rods with sinking or sink tip line. You may also use floating, although I have not. I’ve seen people fishing Chironomids, but I have not.
3x tippet will let you cast into weeds without breaking off. The fish are not leader shy.
Net (practice good catch and release methods - keep the fish wet)
Rain gear just in case, although this is the desert.
Warm layer - this is early in the season and the wind can blow here.
Sunglasses and hat
Camera

Getting There (from Puget Sound)

Put Lenice Lake Public Access into your GPS. Note that cell service will die when you get close. [also do this if starting from other locations]
East on I-90
Exit 137 for WA-26E toward Othello/Pullman
Right onto WA-243 S
Left onto Lower Crab Creek Rd SW
4.9 miles to Lenice Lake Public Access

(Participants choosing to go to the outing at Dusty the next day can join other Club members who are booking their own rooms at a nearby hotel (not 4-star) to be identified by the Host or camp at a location near either lake.)

Dusty Lake Float Tube (April 13, 2026)

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Host: Nick Sherman

This Dusty outing is a single-day (Mon, April 13) outing that follows the Yakima Lower Canyon outing (ending April 12) and the Lenice Lake outing (Sunday, April 12). Like those other two, Dusty can be attended on its own or in addition to either or both of the preceding two outings.

Dusty requires a solid hike down to the east end of the lake, short but steep and rocky (approximately 0.6 miles with a 350’ descent). I recommend hiking poles. This is a rewarding trek, though, with rugged landscape and basalt cliffs lining both sides of the lake. Half the fun of Dusty Lake is the walk in, making it one of my favorite lakes. We plan to catch fish, but the trip is also rewarding for its stark scenery. Being east of the Cascades, it has been sunny every time I’ve been there.

Most participants will arrive Sunday night from Lenice Lake (45 minutes) or the Upper Yakima outing (1 hour, 20 minutes) in Quincy and will stay at a nearby hotel (not 4-star). Other members may come from Seattle (3 hours), though that is a long way for a day trip. It may be possible to camp at the trailhead (no services).

Dusty Lake is located in WDFW's Quincy Wildlife Area near the City of Quincy. It has fished very well over the past five years for rainbow trout, with occasional brown and tiger trout. Dusty Lake sits in a shallow canyon and receives less sunlight than other lakes early in the year. As a result, it remains colder longer, and fishing doesn't pick up until later in the spring. Access to Dusty Lake is walk-in only. The lake must be fished from a float tube or pontoon boat. Shoreline fishing is usually unproductive.

I fished Dusty in the second week of May, so this trip will be earlier. We’ll have to see how active the trout are. I’ve used a sinking line with a leech or a wooly bugger. Experiment with slow and fast retrieves. Use the same gear you used on Lenice.

Per WDFW: Selective Gear Rules are in effect.

There is an outhouse at the trailhead where you'll park but none at Dusty.

What to Bring:

Food and water
Float tube
Washington state fishing license
Raft, canoe, pontoon boat, kayak, or float tube
4-6 weight rods with floating line and/or sinking line.
3x, 4x, and maybe 5x tippet, depending on which flies you use
Net
Rain gear
Sunglasses
Camera

Special Notes on Getting There

Do NOT go to Dusty Lake trailhead - that is different and a very long hike.
Do not be tempted to come into the trailhead from the south - that gravel road is usually locked. You have to swing around to come in from the north.
There may not be a cell phone service near the trailhead.
Have a picture of the map on your cell phone of the last part so you can find the final turn relative to Burke Lake.

Directions from Puget Sound

Head E on I-90
Take Exit 149 for State Rte 281 N toward Quincy/Wenatchee
Turn Left onto State Rte 281 N/WA-281N
Turn Left onto Rd 5 NW/White Trail Rd
Turn Left onto Rd T NW
Go to the second arm of Burke Lake and turn right (west) on a gravel road to the parking lot.
Trailhead coordinates: 47 degrees 08’07.9”N 119 degrees 55’50.3”W

Langlois Lake (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Host - Marty Behnke

Langlois Lake is one of only ten waters in King County managed with a seasonal fishing closure. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, kokanee, and resident largemouth bass. Spring catch rates for trout are highest early in the season. Although the lake is stocked with trout, there are carryover fish. Most trout are 10–12 inches, but 18-inch fish aren’t uncommon. This 39-acre lake has a maximum depth of 98 feet and a mean depth of 53 feet.

Langlois has WDFW access at its east end, with parking and an outhouse. A Discover Pass or WDFW Vehicle Access Pass must be displayed on any vehicle parked in the lot. There is no public bank access, so fishing requires a vessel, such as a float tube, personal pontoon boat, inflatable raft, or canoe. Two-pole fishing is allowed. No gas engines are allowed.

Driving Instructions, From Carnation, WA:

South on WA-203 for ~1.4 miles
Left on 24th St. for ~ 1.5 miles. Note: This becomes Langlois Lake Rd.
Left, for the lake

What to Bring:

Washington state fishing license
Raft, canoe, pontoon boat, kayak, or float tube
PFD is always recommended for wading and riding in boats.
4-6 weight rods with floating line and/or sinking line
3x, 4x, and maybe 5x tippet, depending on which flies you use
Net
Folding chair
Rain gear
Hat and sunglasses
Camera

Flies

Olive willy is a fly recommended by Wayne Balsiger for still water fishing.
Black wooly buggers with a red bead head, trolled near the surface or at depth have been super successful at times.
White grubs have been super successful at times
When there is a hatch, parachute Adams have resulted in outstanding catch rates.

Coffee Pot Lake (May 15, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Coffee Pot Lake Hosts - Wytold Lebing, David Williams, and Eric Olson

Coffee Pot Lake is best known for its prodigious chironomid hatches that feed rainbow trout that reach nearly 24 inches. In addition to those big trout, plenty of largemouth bass up to 5 pounds swim under the fly fishers’ radar. It also has black crappie and yellow perch. Coffee Pot is located in a deep coulee a few miles northeast of Odessa, so a floating device is necessary.

You’ll want chironomids–some weighted and some not. If the water is still cool, the fish will be feeding deep. A few years ago (in June), the fish were cruising the surface; last year (in May 2025), surface activity was pretty limited. TDCs, Ice Cream Cones, and your favorite chironomid patterns in sizes 14-18 work. Dragonfly nymphs such as Chickabou Dragon or Draper Dragon (Flies Of The Northwest pattern book) on a sinking line will take fish. Of course, the ubiquitous black or olive rabbit bugger will catch most anything. And for 2026 the Carey Special in both olive and black has been added to the “don’t show up without” list.

All you need to have the most topwater fun with largemouths is The Hamster (Flyfishing for Western Smallmouth). Expect a nasty strike from a big rainbow, too. Add a white baitfish pattern (ask Eric Olson for his pattern), and you’ll be set.

This lake is in a remote location, but there is a small BLM campground and boat launch available. The campground has approximately 10 campsites with picnic tables and campfire rings, a large covered pavilion, ample RV parking, and a vault toilet. There is no potable water on site, so each of us will need to bring drinking water, approximately 1 gallon per person per day.

A previous Coffee Pot Lake outing report may be found in the June 2023 Flypaper

Cancellation Deadline: 8:00 p.m. the Sunday before the outing. If you need to cancel, please contact the Outing Host(s). No refunds will be issued after the cancellation deadline.

What to Bring for Fishing

Washington state fishing license
Raft, canoe, pontoon boat, kayak, or float tube.
A PFD is always recommended for wading and for riding in boats.
4-6 weight rods and both floating and sink lines
3x,4x, and maybe 5x tippet, depending on which flies you use.

What to Bring for Camping:

Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
Bring clothes for warmish daytime temperatures and chilly nights.
Rain gear
Sunscreen, hat, and dark glasses
Mosquito repellent
Flashlight & backup (there is no power at this site)
Folding chair
Camera/Phone (in Ziplock or waterproof bag)
Water bottle with liquid (plus 1 gal. drinking water/day)

NOTE: There is no campsite fee at this campground

Food & Beverages:

The $30.00 outing fee covers only Friday and Saturday night dinners and Saturday and Sunday coffee.
Bring your own food for breakfast and lunch.

Bring your own wine, beer, or hard stuff.

Getting There

I-90 east to Exit 206
Take WA-21 north towards Odessa
Get ice and other last-minute supplies in Odessa, then continue north on WA-21
Turn right (east) on Coffeepot Road
Turn right at Coffeepot Lake. We will be staying at the campground at Coffeepot Lake, though commuting each day to a hotel in Odessa has also been done.

Introduction to River Fishing on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River (June 06, 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Outing Hosts - Dave Campbell and Jim Watson (date is tentative; see below)

Date to be determined (hopefully by early June) based on mountain snowpack and melt rate which affects the river level and water clarity. Members who sign up will be updated as the river conditions drop into good fishing conditions.

OUTING FOCUS

Fishing locations on the river: Map will be provided & discussed.

Bug class: We'll collect aquatic insects that fish feed on and recommend flies to ‘match the hatch”.

Holding water: Review trout habitat and habits. Where do trout hang out and why.

Casting demo: How to present your fly in moving water, with variations for dries, nymphs, and streamers.

WHERE

The Snoqualmie River is located approximately 1 hour from Seattle. it has 3 forks, the South, Middle, and North Forks, which join to form the main stem river at Snoqualmie. It flows over the Snoqualmie Falls and through the towns of Fall City, Carnation, and Duvall before joining the Skykomish to form the Snohomish River. The Snoqualmie River is a freestone river without dams to control the flow of water. Mother Nature is completely in charge of the stream flow.

The falls present an upstream barrier to anadromous fish. As a result, native Rainbow Trout and West Slope Cutthroat Trout are found in all three forks. The average size is around 8" to 10", with some more than 12" in length. Due to the size of the trout it is recommended you use lightweight gear on these streams.

Food & Beverages

Bring your own

What to Bring:

Washington state fishing license
WA Discovery Pass/Vehicle Access Pass and American the Beautiful Senior Pass. Either or both may be needed, depending on where we park.
PFD is always recommended for wading
3-5 weight rods with floating line.
Waders, wading boots, and wading staff
3x,4x, and maybe 5x tippet depending on which flies you use
Net
Folding Chair
Rain gear
Hat and sunglasses

Directions:

Take I-90 to exit 34 to 468th Ave. SE to the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road. We will meet at the Granite Creek Trailhead Parking Lot, Mile Post 5 on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road.
Note: Mile posts are measured from the beginning of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road.

Rock Island Fish Camp (June 14, 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Outing Coordinator: Wayne Balsiger

Sunday night, June 14, through Thursday night, June 19 for 5 nights leaving Friday, June 20

Deposit $210. Balance via check by June 1. Total depends on the exchange rate, about $950

10 people in two cabins of 5 beds

This outing has been arranged with the Rock Island Fish Camp in British Columbia. All food and lodging is included in the price. We told them that we would have a maximum of 10 people. The cost is ~$950 (US). The exact RIFC cost depends on the exchange rate and will be determined in late May. A $210 deposit is required at the time of registration. The balance of the cost is due when we send an email in early June once we know the amount. You may pay the $210 via credit card. The balance is to be paid by check without credit card fees. A cancellation fee of $25 USD will be charged to cover NFA's PayPal transaction costs.

May 1 is also the cancellation date. After that date, there is no refund unless you can find someone to take your place. Much of the information on Rock Island's website is reproduced below. Members who have been there before include Wytold Lebing, Peter Maunsell, Errol Flagor, Bill Gibson, Wayne Balsiger, Walt Shields, and Peter Rubenstein.

Wayne Balsiger will act as coordinator, including cabin assignments and contact point with the RIFC staff. Generally, people have carpooled with other members.

The drive can be done in one day.

The Lakes:

Rock Island Lake is located on B.C.'s famed Nehalliston Plateau. Elevation - 4,200 ft. Some of our walk-in lakes are 5,000 ft. - 5,500 ft. The lakes vary in depth from deep volcanic holes to shallow beaver dams. They differ in water, from clear, marl-bottomed streams to dark, tea-colored lily-pod ponds.

Most of the lakes have boats, but some remote, walk-in lakes are only float-tube fishable. Take your tube and enjoy the day. Four lakes are easily accessible from camp, within a 15-minute walk or a short row. Most of the outer lakes are road-accessible, some with a drive-and-walk. Rock Island has electric motors available for rent at $10 a day.

The Fish:

All the lakes have only one species: "The Famous Wild Kamloops Trout." You have to hook one to know why they are called Wild. They will dance for you! No coarse fish are in the lakes—the trout range from pan size to 5 lbs. Fish up to 7 lbs have been caught. There may be some flies available at the lodge.

Accommodations:

Rock Island Lake Fishing Camp has six cozy log cabins, each with 3 – 5 beds. All are fully equipped for housekeeping, with propane cooktops, wood stoves, towels, cooking and eating utensils, and cold running water. Firewood and kindling are at your door. There is an ample supply of ice for your portable coolers. Showers, flush toilets, and hot water are all centrally located.

Home Cooked Meals:

Jeannie serves hearty, home-cooked meals in the cozy lodge. If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, please let Wayne know when you make your reservation. They will do their best to accommodate you.

You will need to bring:

Canadian fishing license
Pillows, bedding/blankets (sleeping bag).
Bath towels.
Your toiletries.

To make your trip more enjoyable, you should bring:

Fishing gear.
Comfortable life jacket.
Flashlight and a battery-operated light for your cabin if you would like.
Warm clothes and rain gear (you are in Canada at 4200', and it can get chilly).
Comfortable footwear, walking/hiking footwear for hiking into lakes (other than Rock Island) (generally, waders are unnecessary), but waterproof or water-friendly footwear is helpful.
Snacks, alcoholic beverages, soda & bottled beverages. RIFC provides three hearty meals but no snacks, canned soda, or alcohol.
Camera and sunscreen
Any cash or check for any tip you may decide to leave.
It is fun and useful to stop at the Little Fort Fly and Tackle, which has new owners. This is an excellent shop for flies. Leave early enough in the day to get there before they close for the day of your arrival.

Weather station:

Bridge Lake is the station RIFC uses. It is to the west at a similar elevation. Little Fort is about 2,900 feet lower at 1,325 feet and is also used.

Methow River (July 10, 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Outing Host: Susanne Staats and Brett Schormann

Big, bushy dry flies are of special interest to the large (up to 20 inches) cutthroat that live in the Methow River. Nymphs will also tempt these healthy cutthroat and rainbow populations. The Methow is a great river to float, and fishing is allowed from the boat. Other flowing-water venues include the Twisp and Chewuch rivers, both best suited for wading. For lake fishermen, nearby lakes include Big Twin Lake, Pearrygin Lake, and Patterson Lake. For non-fishers, there is swimming, hiking, biking, shopping (Twisp's Saturday farmers’ market and cowboy town Winthrop), and sightseeing (Grand Coulee Dam).

We are camping at the Riverbend RV Park on the highway between Winthrop and Twisp. We have a “Tents Only” group site.

Camping Fees:

1) For our tents-only group site at Riverbend Resort, it is $10.00 plus tax per person per night if 5 or more people stay there. If 4 or fewer people stay, it is still $50/night total among those using the group site. Only people in tents can stay at the group site. No vans, no campers, no trailers, no sleeping in trucks. Non-tenters need to reserve their own sites. Reservations should be made directly with Riverbend RV Park Tele. # (509) 997-3500.

2) Site rates for Pop-up trailers, campers, RVs, trailers, vans, and/or trucks are approximately $56-$66/night, with the higher price for a river view.

Food and Beverages:

The $35.00 outing fee covers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night dinners and Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning coffee.
Bring your own food for breakfast and lunch.

What to Bring for Fishing:

Washington state fishing license
4-6 weight rods with floating lines and 3x and 4x leaders
Patterns would include bead-head Prince nymphs (8s and 10s) and large yellow stimulators (or other grasshopper patterns).
Net
Waders, wading boots, and wading staff.
Pontoon boat, rafts, or drift boat
PFD is always recommended for wading and riding in boats.

What to Bring for Camping:

Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
Rain gear
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Bring clothes for warmish daytime temperatures and chilly nights
Rain gear
Flashlight(s)
Folding Chair
Water

Directions: Riverbend Resort

Cancellation Deadline: 8:00 p.m. the Sunday before the outing. If you need to cancel, please contact the Outing Host(s). No refunds will be issued after the cancellation deadline.

Lenice Lake (September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Host - Nick Sherman

This float-tube outing to Lenice Lake precedes the outing to Dusty Lake the following day, Sunday, September 13. Each is available individually or as a combined trip (Lenice and Dusty will require separate registrations). Lenice is a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle.

Lenice is a fairly short walk-in of a quarter mile with a 35’ descent. There is no shoreline fishing. Most anglers carry float tubes with shoulder straps or pack them in and inflate them at the lake. A pontoon boat or kayak would be possible if you have wheels (the trail from the lot to the lake is sandy). Club members could help carry a light kayak.

Lenice Lake is a fairly small lake located north of Mattawa. It is very productive and supports medium and large trout, although if it has been stocked, there may be smaller fish as well. Lenice is very popular with fly fishers. On average, Lenice Lake has been among the better-quality waters in District 5 (Grant and Adams Counties). At certain times of the year, Lenice Lake can see very high angler effort. Several fly fishing clubs from across the state hold annual outings at Lenice Lake. Per WDFW, Selective Gear Rules are in effect. Very few areas of shoreline fishing are effective. Last stocked in 2025, but this is a lake where holdovers grow well.

I have had success trolling a leech, micro-leech, or wooly bugger (olive, red, or brown) with a full sinking line. I have cast the same rig to rising trout, which is a lot of fun. Work the weed beds and the deep water at the east end of the lake. I have not used a floating line, but that would probably work well, too. I caught 20 to 40 fish in the 15” range on three trips last September.

A Discover Pass or WDFW Parking permit (comes with your fishing license) is required.

Lenice is an easy float tube outing to do on your own after the Lower Yakima Outing.

What to Bring:

The club is not providing food or refreshments. Eat before you come or bring your meal.
Water: Bring water with you to the lake from the parking lot. You won’t want to stop fishing to go back to the car.
Washington State fishing license
Float tube with waders or other backpackable flotation (raft, pontoon boat, kayak). Don’t forget your air pump for inflating, your fins, and your waders. [There are a lot of waterfowl, so waders are needed to protect against swimmer's itch.]
A PFD is always recommended for wading or riding in boats
4-6 weight rods with sinking or sink tip line. You may also use floating, although I have not. I’ve seen people fishing Chironomids, but I have not.
3x tippet will let you cast into weeds without breaking off. The fish are not leader shy.
Net (practice good catch and release methods - keep the fish wet)
Rain gear just in case, although this is the desert.
Warm layer - this is early in the season and the wind can blow here.
Sunglasses and hat
Camera

Getting There (from Puget Sound)

Put Lenice Lake Public Access into your GPS. Note that cell service will die when you get close. [also do this if starting from other locations]
East on I-90
Exit 137 for WA-26E toward Othello/Pullman
Right onto WA-243 S
Left onto Lower Crab Creek Rd SW
4.9 miles to Lenice Lake Public Access

Skagit River Day Outing (September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Outing Hosts Carol Ferrera Johnson and Dave Campbell

Registration for this outing will be enabled in early June. The date is TBD based on water conditions and fish runs.

NFA member Carol Ferrera has graciously offered to host an outing at her property on the Skagit River. Carol's property is located in Cape Horn, Concrete (on the Skagit River, several miles below the Dalles Bridge). There is good wading access right from the property. The outing should provide an opportunity to catch pink salmon.

Meet at Carol's property at 11:00 AM. The property features a covered outdoor seating area, a fire pit, and ample parking space. In the late afternoon, the hosts will provide grilled hot dogs and potato salad. Directions will be provided to registrants three days before the outing.

What to Bring

Bring your beverages (and ice chest to keep cold)
Bring a snack or side dish to share
Washington State fishing license
PFD recommended for wading and wading staff (Skagit is rocky)
Fishing gear
Folding chair
An ice chest and ice if you plan to take fish home

Skagit River Rules

Dusty Lake Float Tube (September 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Host: Nick Sherman

This is a single-day outing (Sunday, September 13) following the Lenice Lake outing (Saturday, September 12). Dusty can be attended to on its own or in addition to Lenice.

Dusty requires a solid hike down to the east end of the lake, short but steep and rocky (approximately 0.6 miles with a 350’ descent). I recommend hiking poles. This is a rewarding trek, though, with rugged landscape and basalt cliffs lining both sides of the lake. Half the fun of Dusty Lake is the walk in, making it one of my favorite lakes. We plan to catch fish, but this is a rewarding trip for its stark scenery. Being east of the Cascades, it has been sunny every time I’ve been there.

Most participants will arrive Sunday night from Lenice Lake (45 minutes) or the Upper Yakima outing (1 hour, 20 minutes) in Quincy and will stay at a nearby hotel (not 4-star). Other members may come from Seattle (3 hours), though that is a long way for a day trip. It might be possible to camp at the trailhead (no services).

Dusty Lake is located in WDFW's Quincy Wildlife Area near the City of Quincy. The lake has fished very well over the past five years for rainbow trout, with occasional brown trout and tiger trout. Dusty Lake sits in a shallow canyon and receives less sunlight than other lakes early in the year. As a result, it remains colder longer, and fishing doesn't pick up until later in the spring (which won't be an issue for this Sept trip). Access to Dusty Lake is walk-in only. The lake must be fished from a float tube. Shoreline fishing is usually unproductive.

I have fished Dusty in May, so this trip will be my first for this time of year. I have used a sinking line with a leech or a wooly bugger. Experiment with slow and fast retrieves. Use the same gear you used on Lenice.

Per WDFW: Selective Gear Rules are in effect.

There is an outhouse at the trailhead where you'll park but none down at Dusty Lake.

What to Bring:

Food and water
Float tube (the hike precludes raft, pontoon boat, or kayak). Remember waders and fins, plus an air pump for inflation. If you don’t have shoulder straps, bring a pack to hold your float tube, waders, air pump, and other gear. You must carry everything in one trip.
Washington state fishing license
4-6 weight rods with sinking line. A floating line might work - I have not used one.
3x tippet if using a sinking line.
Net
Rain gear
Sunglasses and hat
Warm layer in case it gets cold
Camera

Special Notes on Getting There

Do NOT go to Dusty Lake trailhead - that is different and a very long hike.
Do not be tempted to come into the trailhead from the south - that gravel road is usually locked. You have to swing around to come in from the north.
There may not be cell phone service near the trailhead.
Have a picture of the map on your cell phone of the last part so you can find the final turn relative to Burke Lake.

Directions from Puget Sound

Head E on I-90
Take Exit 149 for State Rte 281 N toward Quincy/Wenatchee
Turn Left onto State Rte 281 N/WA-281N
Turn Left onto Rd 5 NW/White Trail Rd
Turn Left onto Rd T NW
Go to the second arm of Burke Lake and turn right (west) on a gravel road to the parking lot.
Trailhead coordinates: 47 degrees 08’07.9”N 119 degrees 55’50.3”W

Yakima River - Lower Canyon (September 23, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Outing Hosts - Peter Maunsell

The Lower Yakima Canyon, from Wilson Creek to Roza Dam, offers more than 20 miles of relatively easy floating. NFA will set up camp at the Big Pines Campground on the river. Peter Maunsell will get there early and will text you where he is. This is sagebrush country, a basalt-and-desert landscape home to Bighorn sheep, deer, and plentiful insect hatches.

Your primary catch will be trout and whitefish. Almost all of the trout are rainbows. Many in our group will be floating from any of the several launch sites downstream to the Big Pines campground, or from the Big Pines campground down to the Roza impoundment. If you don’t have a boat, there is easy access via numerous pullouts on Canyon Road, which runs alongside the river and state route WA-821. In the spring and at the end of the summer through the fall, wading is not difficult. When the river runs high during the summer due to upstream irrigation releases, wading becomes more difficult.

What to Bring for Fishing:

Washington state fishing license.
Suitable floating devices, including a pontoon boat, raft, or drift boat.
PFDs are always recommended for wading and for riding in boats.
It is very likely to be quite cool during the day and significantly colder at night. Bring clothes that will keep you warm.
Although we are on the “dry” side of the Cascades, it rains here, too. Bring rain gear.
Hat and sunglasses
Camera
4-6 weight rods and floating lines
Net
3x, 4x, and maybe 5x tippet, depending on which flies you use.
Check the local fly shops on what is working, but bring a variety of nymphs, including Stone, Copper Johns, and Bead head Prince Nymphs; streamers, including buggers; and Caddis.
Water bottle and drinking water for when you are on the river
Waders, wading boots, and wading staff

What to Bring for Camping

Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
Change of clothes (You may get wet)
Rain gear
Flashlight(s)
Folding Chair

NOTE: Your outing fee covers meals. It does not include your campsite. Campsites are $15.00/ night, half price if you have a Golden Age Senior Pass

Food & Beverages:

The outing fee only covers Wednesday and Thursday night dinners and Thursday and Friday morning coffee.
Bring your own food for breakfast and lunch.
Bring your own wine, beer, or hard stuff.

Getting There:

Big Pines Campground directions.

Multi-Day Outing - Three Rivers, Idaho (Selway, Lochsa, Middlefork Clearwater) (October 05, 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Outing Host - Scott Keenholts

Registration Fee: $50/per person

The Selway River is renowned for its pristine waters and diverse fishing opportunities. Fishing on the Selway River is characterized by stunning natural scenery and minimal fishing pressure. It is a protected river that offers a unique experience for anglers seeking both tranquility and adventure. The Selway River offers excellent fishing, particularly for westslope cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and bull trout.

What sets the Lochsa River apart isn’t just the quality of the fishing; it’s also the wild, untamed setting. You don’t need to hike miles into the backcountry to find success, either. Pullouts along Highway 12 offer quick access to productive water, and within two steps of the road, you’re casting to wild fish in water so clear you can see the take before you feel it. The Lochsa fisheries include westslope cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, bull trout, and brook trout.

Wading is relatively easy on the Selway. The Lochsa is a bit slipperier. Boats and pontoons can be used on the Clearwater. There are many tributaries worth fishing as well.

Our campground will be in the small town of Lowell, 340 miles east of Seattle at Three Rivers Resort located right where the Lochsa and Selway Rivers converge to form the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River. Just 20 miles west is the convergence of the South and Middle Forks of the Clearwater in the town of Kooskia.

The resort has cabins, RV hookup sites, tent sites, and a group site. Attendees will need to call Three Rivers Resort to make their personal reservations for the type of lodging or site and the days they want (contact info below)

115 Selway Road Kooksia, Idaho 83539
208-926-4430
3RiversResortii@gmail.com

Native cutthroat and bull trout are the primary catch, taking Mayflies, Caddis or Grasshoppers. You need a well-stocked fly box to cover all of these rivers.

Three Rivers Campground has full facilities for comfortable tent camping as well as the RV sites with water, electricity, and a single community septic dump. Gas up in Kooskia before driving 23 miles to Lowell as there are no facilities available in Lowell.

What to Bring for Fishing:

Idaho state fishing license
Bring clothes for warmish daytime temperatures and chilly nights.
Sun screen, a hat, and sunglasses
Waders, wading boots, and wading staff
3-5 weight rods
Net
Floating lines with 4x and 5x leaders. Bring 6x leader material if you want to put on really small flies.

What to Bring for Camping:

Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
Rain gear
Flashlight(s)
Folding chair
Camera
Water Bottle

Food & Beverages:

I will only be serving dinner on Monday-Thursday.
Attendees are on their own for breakfast and lunch.
Bring your own wine, beer, or hard stuff
You do not need to bring any cooking gear or eating utensils

Directions:

Driving directions
Cancellation Deadline: TBD
Make sure your NFA registration includes an up-to-date email address and cellphone number

Hood Canal (October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Outing Host: Tom Quinn

Gather at Tom’s home on the west side of Hood Canal, just south of the Hood Canal Bridge on the Olympic Peninsula side.

From there, we’ll disperse either along the Canal for sea-run cutthroats (and coho, if you are lucky) or to any of a handful of nearby lakes for mid-sized rainbow trout.

Bring your float tube or similar craft for any of the small, peaceful, motorless lakes within about 30 minutes of the Quinn residence, including Teal, Gibbs, Silent, Leland, Tarboo, Horseshoe, and others.

Fishing for sea-run cutthroat can be good on the beaches or from small craft such as canoes or kayaks that can be launched at the Quinn residence or at a number of nearby beaches. Larger boats can be launched less than a mile away at Hicks County Park.

Directions will be sent to those registered three days before the outing. Tom has beach access for launching a kayak or canoe (including a couple available to borrow, which can be rowed).

After fishing the Canal or one or more of the nearby small lakes, we’ll return to Tom’s for a casual meal and enjoy the view from his deck.

From August onward, salmon fishing can be good at nearby Point No Point, Eglon, Shine Tidelands State Park, and in Squamish Harbor.

Food & Beverages

Tom plans to offer tea, coffee, & muffins for our arrival in the morning. For the evening meal, he has a barbecue that we can throw our burgers or dogs, etc. on and has offered to add a salad and some dessert (brownies?!), so within that framework bring whatever you'd like to eat & drink (he’ll have a few beverages) to enjoy for some stories at the end of the fishing day.