Sinlahekin and Blue Lake Natural Area

There are three Blue lakes in Okanogan County.  This one is at the top end of the Sinlahekin Valley, tucked in a lush, remote feeling valley. This beautiful preserve boasts 8 miles of easy-to-follow hiking trails plus 2 ADA trails and a waterfall viewing within the boundary of the 14,000 acre DNR Wildlife Preserve.  This is a selective gear rule lake, so it is very popular with fly fishers.  It fishes best April through June and then again in September and October.  It is advised to use sinking lines in summer to reach fish in the deepest parts of the lake.  Fly fishers cast a variety of patterns, but Wooly Buggers are a good way to start.  There is a lead ban in effect on Blue Lake.  Rainbow will range in size from 10 to 12 inches for yearling fish to 13 to 15 inches for carryovers.  Brown trout can be 18 inches in Blue Lake.  There are two WDFW access sites on the lake, one on the north end and one on the south end.  Both have camp sites, toilets and gravel boat ramps. Follow the established trails or wander at will through this rich ecosystem of shrub steppe, wetlands, and dry forest. The paved ADA trails at the northwest end of Blue Lake and along Connor lake also provide a great path for children in strollers.