This area includes Winchester Reservoir, Winchester Wasteway, Frenchman Hills Wasteway, and numerous small ponds and marshes. Fishing is year-round for yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout. Access is limited in some areas. Boat motors are prohibited seasonally on Winchester Wastewa
Maybe — confirm before you go.
Reclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 509-754-4624
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Desert Wildlife Rec. Area — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — Reclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Desert Wildlife Rec. Area?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Desert Wildlife Rec. Area. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — hiking is one of the listed activities at Desert Wildlife Rec. Area.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Desert Wildlife Rec. Area is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Yes Can you bring a dog?
Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.
Depends Are drones allowed?
Sometimes — often allowed away from wilderness and developed or crowded areas, with rules. Check locally before you fly.
Nearby sites
Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation Potholes Reservoir
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
