Spring weather brings with it a number of events offered through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the April calendar is full. Remember, however, that all calendar items are subject to change.
Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires or storm damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.
Various Days
Guided Wetland Tours by Reservation at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley. A wildlife naturalist will lead any group, school or organization on a two-thirds of a mile route through the diverse wetlands of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. General information includes wildlife identification, behavior patterns and conservation efforts. This experience can be catered to include requested information. The minimum group size is eight people. This land is part of the CDFW Lands Pass Program and associated fee-for-use requirement. There is no additional cost for the tour. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
April 10
Flyway Nights: Updates on the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., via Zoom. Garrett Spaan, wildlife area manager at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, will be presenting updates on key projects and developments that have taken place over the past year. His presentation will highlight significant efforts in wetland restoration and habitat enhancement, including updates related to the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant. Additionally, Spaan will discuss the California Duck Stamp project and provide information on the Wildlife Conservation Board’s Public Access Grant. For more information, visit Yolo Basin Foundation’s website at yolobasin.org/flywaynights. To register, visit the event registration page.
April 11
Wildlife Conservation Board Lower American River Conservancy Program Advisory Committee Meeting, 10 a.m. to noon, California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P St., Sacramento. This will be a hybrid meeting. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov.
April 12
Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join CDFW for a free, family-friendly guided tour on the second Saturday of each month to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River. Learn about the amazing life cycle of salmon and steelhead, walk along the American River and discuss hatchery operations. Participants may see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain and the maximum group size is 25 people (first-come, first-served). The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
April 13
Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join CDFW for Tot Time at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center for nature-themed stories and to create a fun craft. Recommended for children ages 2-7 years, with parent/guardian supervision. There is no cost for these events and registration is not required. For more information, email julia.sisneros@wildlife.ca.gov.
April 15
Hunting Items for 2025-26 on sale. Hunters can purchase 2025-26 hunting licenses, tags and validations and apply for the annual Big Game Drawing. Items may be purchased online, at select CDFW license sales offices or license sales agents, or by calling telephone sales at (800) 565-1458. Sales transactions for the Big Game Drawing applications must be completed before midnight on June 2, 2025. Contact a local CDFW license sales office for more information.
California Fish and Game Commission Tribal Committee Meeting, 1:30 p.m., California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, Second Floor, 715 P St., Sacramento. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
April 16-17
California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, 8:30 a.m., Capitol Event Center, 1020 11th St., Sacramento. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
April 22
California Natural Resources Agency Earth Day Event, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Natural Resources Agency Building, 715 P St., Sacramento. This event will feature activities and games for all ages. For more information, visit resources.ca.gov/earthday2025.
April 26
California Duck Days 2025, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters, 45211 County Road 32B, Davis. Yolo Basin Foundation will host a family-oriented outdoor festival for people of all ages. On-site activities include nature themed arts and crafts, live animals, wetland science activities, interactive exhibits, Wildlife Area tours, food trucks, and much more. For more information, visit yolobasin.org/california-duck-days. To learn about volunteer opportunities, contact the community engagement coordinator at volunteer@yolobasin.org.
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Clean-up and Field Day, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley. The community is invited to the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area for a morning of spring clean-up. All family members are encouraged to participate. Typical activities involve building repairs, habitat improvements and sprucing up the public facilities. This event provides an inside glimpse into portions of this beautiful area you may not normally see. Participants should be prepared for some light clean-up. Bringing work gloves, appropriate footwear, sunscreen and water is recommended. Meet at the entrance Check Station parking lot at 8 a.m. to sign in and pick an activity. Activities will occur from 8:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a lunch. For questions, contact Gray Lodge Wildlife Area at (530) 846-7500.
April 30
Deadline to Report Spiny Lobster Report Cards. Lobster divers and hoop netters must report their lobster report card data by April 30. Report card holders who fail to return their Spiny Lobster Report Card by mail or report their data online by the deadline will be assessed a $21.60 non-return fee when they purchase a spiny lobster report card for the following season. Divers and hoop netters may report online, through the CDFW License App, or mail their report card to the address printed on the report card. To report online, visit www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/customersearch/begin.
