Heenan Lake Wildlife Area

Heenan Lake Wildlife Area consists of approximately 1,700 acres at an elevation of 7,000 - 8,000 feet. Heenan Lake is located on the west central portion of the area and covers 130 acres. Vegetation consists of Jeffrey pine forest adjacent to sagebrush ridges, and meadows adjacent to stream courses. Wildlife species that occur in the meadows and adjacent ridges include belding ground squirrels, Clark's nutcrackers, black bear, coyotes, white-headed woodpeckers, golden eagles, and bald eagles.

Facilities

This property is not perminantly staffed. A parking lot, portable toilets and check-in area are available only during the special fishing season. For more information, visitors should call the North Central Region Office in Rancho Cordova at (916) 358-2900.

Accessibility

There are no accessibility improvements on this property.

Connectivity

There is no reliable cellular phone service available on this property. There is no public Wi-Fi service available.

Maps and Guides

• Topographic Map (PDF)

Learn more about Heenan Lake Wildlife Area and its history, wildlife and habitat.

History

Under private ownership, the area around Heenan Lake was primarily grazed for livestock. The water in the lake was even used to irrigate downstream lands in Nevada. An old siphon system, not currently operational, once allowed for irrigation of pasture and meadows on private lands to the south. Public access to this area was limited but some recreation use was allowed, with landowner permission for activities such as hunting, camping, and access to fishing areas in nearby Bagley Valley to the south.

The property was designated as a Wildlife Area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1983. When the property was purchased by the State, the previous owners retained several provisions in the deed that applied to livestock management, use of water and timber rights. Since that time, CDFW has purchased timber harvest rights and acquired more water rights to assure wintertime survival of the lake's Lahontan cutthroat trout.

Learning About the Land

Articles

• Spawning Cutthroat Trout at Heenan Lake (PDF) by Sandy Bryson ©2000, Outdoor California Magazine
• Heenan Lake Wildlife Area Land Management Plan

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

Hunting Pass Type C: Heenan Lake Wildlife Area does not require the purchase of a hunting pass for entry. Entry permits and/or passes or special drawing may be required for hunting on some Type C wildlife areas.

The following game may be seasonally pursued at Heenan Lake Wildlife Area:

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 Heenan Lake Wildlife Area.

• License Items and Fees for Hunters

Fishing

The fishery at present is restricted to catch and release, with artificial lures only, during September and October.

A valid CDFW fishing license is required. Check fishing regulations for current licensing fees. Licenses are not available at Heenan Lake Wildlife Area and must be purchased before arrival.

Rules and Visitor Use

Be aware of the following rules while visiting Heenan Lake Wildlife Area:

• No horses allowed
• Dogs must be under owner's control at all times
• No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
• No camping allowed

In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at Heenan Lake Wildlife Area.

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the North Central Region Office at (916) 358-2900.