Fishing at Sun Lakes late July

[swayner23]

We've got 10 of us going over to Park Lake for our annual "Man Camp" weekend, but this will be the first time I'll be fishing it and was wondering if anyone had any tips. It looks like there are Rainbow and Brown trout, as well as some sunfish and perch. The trout sounds pretty standard; spinners and powerbait. But not sure about what to use for the sunfish and perch. I was hoping to find some bass on this lake as I'm kinda hooked on catching bass lately, but they're not listed.

We'll be there late July, 22nd - 26th for 4 days and we have two boats and will be staying at Park lake. Any info like time of day, which lake produces best, and what to use for what species would be a big help. Since I got back into fishing late last year, I'm trying to get some of my friends involved as well.

Thanks in advance, tight lines all!!!

[G-Man]

The lake was killed off a few years ago so the panfish population should be minimal if not non-existent. For bass and panfish just head north to Banks Lake. It is only a short drive from the park and you can use the public launch or dump the tubs in at the Coulee City marina. Late July and the trout out of Park are tainted with that muddy taste. I'd hit Blue Lake and also Deep Lake for keepers, both are a real short distance from the Park and the fish remain tasty year round. Dry Falls lake and Lake Lenor are also close by and offer a nice selective gear fishery. Also, bring sunscreen and lots of bug repellent.

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

I fished Blue last August and found lots of trout 25' down.

[bionic_one]

Why was the lake killed off? Google is coming up blank.

[swayner23]

Thanks, G-Man. This will be our 10th year out there so we'll definately bring the bug spray and sunscreen. Last year, it was hotter in Seattle than over there which was a nice change. That sucks about the fish dying off, but I'm sure we can check out lakes just north and south of Park.

[G-Man]

The State killed off a bunch of lakes due to warm water species taking over. It was sort of sad as Blue was still pumping out huge bows and browns as well as some nice bass. Here is the old WDFW notice: https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efis ... jsp?id=439

[Whidbeyfisherman]

If you get bored at Park Lake defintely try switching over to Blue Lake, best in the early morning though because the lake gets totally infested with wakeboarders, waterskiiers, jets skies and the worst...tubers. If your looking for warm water species, Banks is a great lake for bass, Look around the Barker Canyon cove for some great smallmouth action, and around the devils punchbowl for some largemouth fishing. As long as your boats in the water you should try some Walleye fishing, this lake can produce some good results. Have a great time and as long as your on the water you'll enjoy it.

[swayner23]

Thanks Whidbey, that's good info we'll have to check out. I know how the lake can get with skiers and wakers cuz we do it too,:-$ but I'm looking forward to some nice quiet down time to fish.

[rl206]

wow thats a bummer,
a few years back i pulled lots of smallies out of there