The Washburn Island Unit features a large wetland system created by the construction of two causeways on the north and south ends of the island. This wetland provides habitat for waterfowl and other water birds. Annual food plots provide forage for waterfowl, upland birds, mourning doves, and other bird species, and a network of planted shrubs and trees provide cover and nesting habitat. Bald eagle, American white pelican, osprey, and Sandhill crane visit this unit and adjacent pool. Hunter registration is required on this unit.
The Washburn Island Unit is located about 4 miles southeast of Brewster, on the Colville Indian Reservation in Okanogan County. The unit can be accessedfrom Highway 17 off of Highway 97.
This unit is on the Columbia River in the Okanogan River Watershed. Surrounding land use is primarily fruit orchards.
This unit is part of the Wells Wildlife Area.
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:
- Limited parking with no room for trailers
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Open fires are not permitted at any time during the year.
- No overnight parking or camping.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited other than in the parking area.
- Summer months often result in great swarms of mosquitoes, so take precautions.
Hunting
This area is in the Chiliwist Game Management Unit # 239. California quail and a variety of waterfowl provide the primary hunting opportunities on this unit. Other game species, in limited numbers, are pheasant and gray partridge. Mule deer may hunted during archery season. Two species of unregulated wildlife are also available for harvest year-round: Eurasian collared dove and Eastern fox squirrel.
Hunting advisories
- Hunter registration is required on this unit. Registration cards and drop-boxes are located at the parking area. This program collects useful and necessary information on hunting and wildlife populations. The information collected is an important tool to evaluate management and improve hunting on the area.
Fishing
Bank fishing occurs on the causeway leading to the parking area. The Douglas County Public Utility District maintains the Chicken Creek boat launch for access to Washburn Pond. This boat launch is accessed from State Highway 17. ONLY electric motors are allowed to be used on Washburn Pond.
Wildlife viewing
This unit has a large wetland system plus the Washburn Pond, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including bald eagle, waterfowl, Sandhill crane, osprey, and American white pelican.
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.
Other recreational opportunities
Interior service roads can be used for walking or mountain biking.
Conservation
The primary goal for the Bridgeport Bar Unit is to enhance and manage upland game habitat and provide annual food plots for waterfowl, mourning doves and upland game.
Conservation goals
- Maintain established irrigated shrub and tree rows
- Produce annual grain crops for wildlife forage
- Protect perch sites for wintering bald eagles
Land stewardship
The Douglas County Public Utilities District No. 1 entered into a wildlife mitigation agreement with WDFW in 1974 as part of the Wells Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory License. This agreement addressed the loss of wildlife caused by the construction of Wells Dam and led to the creation of the Wells Wildlife Area, including the Washburn Island Unit. The unit is owned by the Public Utilities District.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1968.
No specific funders assisted with purchasing these lands.
Management planning
2006 Wells 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.