The Sprague Lake Unit consists of wetlands and uplands, providing access to the south end of Sprague Lake at a developed boat launch, and wildlife viewing opportunities through an interpretive trail and viewing platform.
The Sprague Lake Unit is located about 7 miles west of Sprague in Adams County. The unit can be accessed from Danekas Road (Main Street) out of Sprague.
The Sprague Lake unit occurs in both the Upper Crab Creek and Palouse watersheds within the Columbia Plateau.
This unit is part of the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 284
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:
- Two parking areas
- Outhouse
- Viewing platform
- Gravel boat ramp
- Interpretive trail (1,000 feet ADA compliant)
Fishing
Check out Sprague Lake water access site.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes mainly wetlands, with good riparian habitat along Sprague Lake and uplands with big and stiff sagebrush, Sandberg bluegrass, and wild rye, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including mule deer and songbirds.
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 Sprague Lake Unit is mostly native wetlands. Predominant native habitats include:
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
The Sprague Lake Unit was acquired from the Hercules Ranch owned by Rex Harder. Upland habitats were historically grazed. The uplands are now protected under a Conservation Easement with the Hercules Ranch, and the wetlands are protected under the Wetlands Reserve Conservation Program.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1966 and 2003.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | State Migratory Waterfowl Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Boating Facilities Program |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities Program |
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