The Billy Clapp Lake Unit is along what was originally called Long Lake Reservoir, but renamed in honor of one of the originators of the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project. The natural coulee was dammed on the lower south end (Pinto Dam) to create the reservoir. The Stratford Game Reserve encompasses nearly all the public land in this unit.
The Billy Clapp Lake Unit is located about 22 miles north of Moses Lake in Grant County. The unit can be accessed from County Road J NE from Stratford Road.
This unit is part of the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 272
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Paved parking area
- Restroom
- Dock
- Boat launch
Recreation and access advisories
- The Stratford Game Reserve encompasses nearly all the public land in this unit.
Hunting
The Stratford Game Reserve encompasses nearly all the public land in this unit.
Hunting advisories
- A Game Reserve is established on this unit (WAC 220-411-210). Game Reserves are CLOSED AREAS where hunting and trapping for all wild animals and wild birds is prohibited (RCW 77.12.047).
Fishing
The Billy Clapp Lake Water Access Site provides fishing and boating access to Billy Clapp Lake.
Fishing advisories
- This unit's lake, basalt cliffs, talus slopes with native woody shrubs, and bunchgrass communities offer opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl.
Wildlife viewing
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
The Billy Clapp Lake Unit includes acres in the Upper Crab, Lower Crab, and Banks Lake watersheds, all within the Columbia Plateau.
Conservation goals
- Maintain enhanced wildlife habitats and preserve native plant communities and important habitats
- Restore and preserve shallow water habitat and pools
- Manage migrant waterfowl, upland game birds, and priority species
Land stewardship
Most of the Billy Clapp Lake Unit was transferred to WDFW control through a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1954 and 2016.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| County | Transfer of land |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
Management planning
2022 Columbia Basin Wildlife Area Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.
Planning Advisory Committee
Columbia Basin Wildlife Area Advisory Committee