The Winchester Reservoir Unit includes a lake that is actually a wide spot in the Winchester Wasteway, with an average depth of about 6 feet and the surrounding landscape is relatively flat with the lake in a natural low area. Gravel boat launches are on the south and upper east sides of the lake. Most of the lake is surrounded by cattail and bulrush marsh; habitat where waterfowl and shorebirds dominate. The uplands are a mix of tall wheatgrass or intermediate wheatgrass with big sage/bluebunch wheatgrass in some areas.
The Winchester Reservoir Unit is located just north of Interstate 90 east of George in Grant County. The unit can be accessed from North Frontage Road off of the I-90 west Dodson Road exit (164).
The Winchester Reservoir Unit occurs in the Lower Crab Creek Watershed within the Columbia Plateau.
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:
- Gravel parking, outhouse and boat ramp at west end of County Road 3 NW
- Primitive parking at north and south ends of the unit
Fishing
The Winchester Lake water access sites provide access to warm water fishing opportunities.
Wildlife viewing
This unit has a reservoir surrounded by cattail and bulrush marsh and also uplands with wheatgrass species and sagebrush, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including shorebirds and waterfowl.
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 lake is actually a wide spot in the Winchester Wasteway, with an average depth of about 6 feet. The surrounding landscape is relatively flat with the lake in a natural low area. Most of the lake is surrounded by cattail and bulrush marsh. The uplands are a mix of tall wheatgrass or intermediate wheatgrass with big sage/bluebunch wheatgrass in some areas. Waterfowl and shorebirds dominate.
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 Winchester Reservoir Unit was transferred to WDFW management through a Memorandum of Understanding between the state and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1962 and 2003.
No specific funders assisted with purchasing these lands.
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