Los Banos Wildlife Area

Purchased in 1929, Los Banos Wildlife Area was the first of a series of waterfowl refuges established throughout the state to manage habitat for wintering waterfowl. Expanded from its original 3,000 acres, there are now approximately 6,200 acres of wetland habitat which includes lakes, sloughs and managed marsh. Western pond turtles, raccoons, striped skunks, beaver and muskrats, as well as over 200 species of birds are among the many animals found here.

Notice: Los Banos Wildlife Area is normally closed to the public from September 15 until the second Monday of February. Call the Wildlife Area at (209) 826-0463 to confirm that the area is open.

Entry Passes

A CDFW Lands Pass must be in possession of anyone 16 years of age or older while visiting Los Banos Wildlife Area.

Visitors who are in possession of a valid California hunting or fishing license in their name are not required to purchase a Lands Pass, but this is true only for the license holder. Visitors age 16 or older accompanying the license holder must either show a valid California hunting or fishing license of their own, or a valid Lands Pass while visiting Los Banos Wildlife Area.

Lands Passes may be purchased online, by phone at (800) 565-1458, or in-person at locations wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. A Lands Pass cannot be substituted for a Hunting Pass, which is required for adult hunters on Type-A wildlife areas.

A tour by an organized youth or school group is exempt from the Lands Pass requirement. However, tour groups should contact the Wildlife Area at least two weeks in advance at (209) 826-0463 to schedule a field trip.

Facilities

Facilities on this property include restrooms, access roads, designated parking lots and boat ramps. Check stations are staffed during hunting seasons.

Accessibility

Two hunting blinds are available for mobility-impaired hunters. This property does not feature other accessibility improvements.

Connectivity

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

Maps and Guides

• Birding Trail Map (PDF)

Learn more about Los Banos Wildlife Area and its history, wildlife and habitat.

History

The Los Banos Wildlife Area was inhabited by a Native American people, the Yokuts, prior to 1840. They lived on the area and throughout the surrounding vicinity as a hunting and gathering culture. Europeans used the area for commercial, subsistence and recreation hunting from the time they first entered the area until lack of wildlife and laws curtailed the first two activities.

The site of the wildlife area lies partially within a huge Mexican land grant, San jon de Santa Rita, granted by the Governor of Mexico in 1841. In 1863, 8,000 acres was purchased by the Miller and Lux firm. By 1870, Miller gained control of the rest of the land grant. He rented and sold large blocks of these holdings. Most farmed small grain in the early years.

In 1929, the Fish and Game Commission purchased 3,000 acres that had been used in a natural condition to graze livestock. These lands had always been used for subsistence and recreational hunting. The rest of the wildlife area was purchased from lands that had been converted to farming by owners subsequent to Miller. The property was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1954.

Notice: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of Department lands.

Refer to the Public Uses on State and Federal Lands section of 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 Los Banos Wildlife Area may change at any time.

Hunting Pass Type A: Los Banos 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos Wildlife Area.

• 2024 Zone A Deer Season Hunting Application (PDF)
• Waterfowl Hunt Information (PDF)
• License Items and Fees for Hunters
• Flood-up Schedule and Maps: Los Banos Wildlife Area (PDF)
• Flood-up Schedule and Maps: Mud Slough Unit (PDF)
• Central Region Wildlife Area Meeting Slides (PDF)
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Blinds for mobility-impaired hunters are available during waterfowl seasons. For more information, contact the Wildlife Area at (209) 826-0463.

Hunt Maps:

• Dove Hunt Map (PDF)
• Waterfowl Hunt Area Map (PDF)
• Waterfowl Hunt Zone 6 Blinds 1-13 (PDF)
• Waterfowl Hunt Zone 6 Blinds 15-21 (PDF)

Fishing

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

• Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations

Rules and Visitor Use

Be aware of the following rules while visiting Los Banos Wildlife Area:

• No horses allowed
• Dogs must be under owner's control at all times and on a leash (10-foot maximum) when not actively engaged in hunting
• No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
• Camping only allowed in the main office 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 Los Banos Wildlife Area.

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the Wildlife Area at (209) 826-0463.