The Johnson/DeBay's Slough Unit is comprised of agricultural fields, riparian forest, and freshwater wetlands. The unit was purchased in the late 1990's to provide an undisturbed Game Reserve for trumpeter swans as well as to provide limited waterfowl hunting area. Public access in the Game Reserve area is limited to the parking/viewing area at the end of DeBay Island Road and the mowed grass field to the east of the Game Reserve parking area. Waterfowl hunting is allowed in the portion of DeBay's Slough to the north of DeBay Island Road and the adjacent field to the east of DeBay's Slough.
The Johnson/DeBay's Slough Unit is located southwest of Sedro-Woolley and northeast of Mount Vernon in Skagit County. There are two parking areas—one on Francis Road ("Hunt Area" parking area) and another at the end of DeBay Isle Road (Game Reserve parking area).
This unit is adjacent to the Skagit River downstream from Sedro-Woolley. DeBay's Slough was historically the main stem of the river, but was converted to a backwater slough in the early 1900's. There are no dikes on this stretch of river.
This unit is part of the Skagit Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 407
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 (one is ADA compliant)
- No restroom
- Informational kiosks
- Short walking trails from each parking area
Recreation and access advisories
- Closed during hours of darkness except during legal hunting seasons.
- The majority of the acreage on this unit is managed as a Game Reserve for swans with restricted access and no hunting. Public access in the Game Reserve area is restricted to the parking/viewing area at the end of DeBay Isle Road and the mowed grass field near the parking area. Dogs are NOT allowed on the Game Reserve.
- Waterfowl forage on the site is managed through a lease agreement with a local farmer. Please be respectful of farming personnel, activities, and equipment.
Hunting
Waterfowl seasons are from mid-Oct. through the last weekend in January. Waterfowl hunting is allowed on the eastern side of the property, including the portion of DeBay's Slough to the north of DeBay Isle Road and a 35-acre field north of the "Hunt Area" parking lot on Francis Road and east of DeBay's Slough. The 35-acre hunt field is planted annually with barley and corn for wintering waterfowl forage enhancements and associated hunting opportunity. Check out the Skagit Wildlife Area Waterfowl Hunting Guide (PDF) for detailed information.
Hunting advisories
- Small boats can be launched from DeBay Isle Road into the north portion of DeBay's Slough to provide waterfowl hunting access.| A map on the kiosk in the "Hunt Area" parking area shows the location of the Game Reserve.| Johnson/DeBay's Slough Game Reserve is established on this unit (WAC 220-411-120). Game Reserves are CLOSED AREAS where hunting and trapping for all wild animals and wild birds is prohibited (RCW 77.12.047).
Fishing
There are limited fishing and boating opportunities at this unit.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes lowland riparian forest, a backwater slough of the Skagit River (Debay's Slough), and managed agricultural fields, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including trumpeter and tundra swan and other waterfowl.
The area south of DeBay Isle Road and west of DeBay's Slough is a Game Reserve. The reserve's parking area at the end of DeBay Isle Road has a raised mound from which to view a managed agricultural field where wintering trumpeter and tundra swan and other waterfowl feed and rest. Swans typically roost during the night on DeBay's Slough. A variety of waterfowl also use the slough and fields on the reserve. Google the Tweeters Info Page to find the Tweeters - Northwest Birding email list managed by the University of Washington; this list provides information about current sightings throughout Western Washington.
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.
Wildlife viewing advisories
- Waterfowl hunting occurs on a portion of this site and may influence your viewing trip. Please check current hunting regulations. Waterfowl seasons are from mid-Oct. through the last weekend in January.
Conservation
The Johnson/DeBay's Slough Unit is a mix of native habitats, including a backwater slough of the Skagit River, and managed agricultural fields.
Special habitats and species
This unit provides a reserve for trumpeter and tundra swans where they can feed and rest during the winter.
Conservation goals
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife resources
This unit provides a reserve for trumpeter and tundra swans where they can feed and rest during the winter.
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife resources
Land stewardship
The Johnson/DeBay's Slough Unit was purchased in 1995-97 to protect a popular swan night roost site and to provide a non-hunted upland reserve for trumpeter and tundra swans where they can feed and rest during the winter.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1954 and 2010.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | North American Wetlands Conservation Program |
| 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 | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2024 Skagit Wildlife Area Management Plan
Management of the Skagit Wildlife Area is focused on units located in the Skagit and Samish deltas east of Whidbey Island and Camano Island. These units include riparian forests, wetlands, Douglas fir forests, estuaries, floodplains, marine intertidal areas, islands, backwater sloughs, and agriculture lands. The primary management focus is on estuary and floodplain restoration, providing forage for wintering waterfowl, recovering federal and state listed species, and providing recreation.
Planning Advisory Committee
Skagit Wildlife Area Advisory Committee