Central Region (Region 4)
Kern County
Directions: From Bakersfield take Highway 178 East toward Lake Isabella. Reserve is 10 miles east of Lake Isabella on the north side of Highway 178.
Central Region Fresno Office: (559) 243-4005
This approximately 7,200-acre property includes the following units: Bloomfield Ranch, Canebrake Creek, Cap Canyon, and Scodie Ranch. Habitat types include valley foothill riparian, valley foothill hardwood-conifer/blue oak-foothill pine, sagebrush, Joshua tree, riverine, lacustrine, fresh emergent wetland, wet meadow, pasture, and cropland. Hundreds of bird species occur on the property, as well as numerous mammal, reptile, and butterfly species. Fish species include western suckers, hardhead, and Sacramento squawfish.
Facilities
Canebrake Ecological Reserve features hiking trails but few other facilities.
Accessibility
Some trails are wheelchair accessible. Consult signage on the property for more information.
Connectivity
There is limited cellular phone service available on this property. There is no public Wi-Fi service available.
Learn more about Gray Lodge Wildlife Area and its history, wildlife and habitat.
History
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area was purchased in 1931 as the second land in a series of waterfowl refuges established throughout the state. The purpose was to prevent crop depredation during early agriculture expansion in the Sacramento Valley and provide wintering habitat for migratory birds. Known for the abundance of wintering waterfowl, this 2,540-acre parcel was the prominent Gray Lodge Gun Club which sold during the Great Depression.
Between 1931 and 1998 many agricultural land parcels were added to the Area, most acquired for the State of California by the Wildlife Conservation Board to restore, enhance, develop, and maintain wildlife habitats. A larger purpose came with these additions. This was reflected in the property designation change by the California Fish and Game Commission from a wildlife refuge to a waterfowl management area in 1953.
In 1970, the designation changed again to the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, to mark the broadening of responsibility from strictly waterfowl to conserving all wildlife. Currently at 9,200 acres, public use activities have increased to include hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, sightseeing, and nature study.
Learning About the Land
Tours
School and group tours led by a wildlife naturalist may be scheduled in advance throughout the year. Each tour includes identification and behavior patterns of wildlife, information on local habitats, and wetlands conservation efforts. Your group’s experience can be catered to include requested information along a specific half-mile walking route.
Tours require a minimum group size and available dates fill quickly, so it is best to schedule well in advance. For more information, contact the Naturalist Office at (530) 846-7505 or email Lori.Dieter@wildlife.ca.gov
Nature Walks
Guided public walks are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m., October through January, unless raining. Reservations are requested for groups over 20 persons. These walks take about 90 minutes. For more information, contact the Naturalist Office at (530) 846-7505 or email Lori.Dieter@wildlife.ca.gov
Classroom Materials
Classroom environmental educational kits, sponsored by the California Waterfowl Association, are available for check-out. In addition to group activities that support wetland education, these kits contain a collection of easily accessible resource materials. A one-time, 45-minute educator workshop is required for kit check-out. For more information, contact the Naturalist Office at (530) 846-7505 or email Lori.Dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
Photos and Media
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Volunteers
Volunteers at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area can participate in a variety of special projects, such as monitoring of wood duck nest boxes, assisting with nature walks and school programs, or participating in habitat restoration and removal of non-native vegetation. For more information on becoming a Gray Lodge Wildlife Area volunteer, call the Naturalist Office at (530) 846-7505 or email Lori.Dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
Notice: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of CDFW-managed lands.
Refer to the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.
Hunting
Notice: Due to changing weather, water availability and management needs, the flood up schedule for Gray Lodge Wildlife Area may change at any time.
Hunting Pass Type A: Gray Lodge Wildlife Area has restricted hunter access during waterfowl and pheasant hunting seasons. Adult hunters are required to purchase a Type A hunting pass in advance in order to exchange for an entry permit.
The following game may be seasonally pursued at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area:
See below for more information on species-specific hunting opportunities.
Hunting Rules and Requirements:
- Deer hunting requires a G-12 deer hunting tag, and take is only by shotgun.
- Waterfowl and snipe hunting is limited to Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays during the Balance of State waterfowl hunting season. These days are broadly referred to as "waterfowl hunt days."
- Dove hunting is available daily during the September early season (September 1-15), and thereafter only on waterfowl hunt days for the late season.
- Pheasant, quail and rabbit hunting is only available on waterfowl hunt days during pheasant hunting season.
- Fall turkey hunting is only available on waterfowl hunt days during fall turkey hunting season.
- Spring turkey hunting is by reservation draw only.
- For all species, hunting is always closed on Christmas Day.
In addition to the above, hunters are responsible for knowing and complying with all Bird Hunting and Land Use Regulations, Mammal Hunting Regulations, and all other rules and regulations in effect at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area.
Special youth hunting days and veteran and active military hunting days are also available. For more information, contact the Main Business Office at (530) 846-7500.
Blinds for mobility-impaired hunters are available during waterfowl seasons. For more information, contact the Main Business Office at (530) 846-7500.
Hunt Maps:
Fishing
With its many ponds and miles of canals supporting bass, sunfish, perch, catfish and carp, Gray Lodge offers many fishing opportunities for visitors. All fishing is from the shore in accordance with general fishing regulations. The area is open to fishing seven days a week. From two weeks before waterfowl hunting season to one week after, fishing is restricted to the Avis Fishing Access only.
A valid CDFW fishing license is required. Check fishing regulations for current licensing fees. Licenses are not available at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area and must be purchased before arrival.
Kids Fishing Day: Generally occurring in May, a one-day fishing event for children ages 15 and under is held each year. Call the Naturalist Office at (530) 846-7505 for details about this year's event.
Rules and Visitor Use
Be aware of the following rules while visiting Gray Lodge Wildlife Area:
- Horses only allowed on the east side of the property from July 1 through August 31
- Dogs must be under owner's control at all times and on a leash (10-foot maximum) when not actively engaged in hunting
- No E-bikes allowed
- No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
- Camping only allowed in the Entrance Check Station parking lot for hunters on nights preceding waterfowl hunt days
In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area.
For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the Main Business Office at (530) 846-7500.