Mendota Wildlife Area

Description

The Mendota Wildlife Area is approximately 11,800 acres consisting of flatlands and floodplain. Major representative plant communities and habitat types are seasonally flooded freshwater emergent wetland, valley foothill riparian and, to a lesser extent, alkali sink scrub. Wildlife species of particular interest which occur at this wildlife area include a variety of migratory waterfowl, pheasants, and several potentially occurring rare, threatened or endangered plants and animals.

For more information, call the area at (559) 655-4645 or the Central Region Fresno office at (559) 243-4005 ext. 151.

Recreational Opportunities

Fishing boat Ramp Wildlife Viewing Hunting with Shotguns Waterfowl Hunting Pheasant Hunting

Activities: fishing, wildlife viewing, and hunting

NOTICE: Due to invasive water hyacinth, boat access may at times be restricted in Fresno Slough. See news release for current restrictions.

Hunting:

Type A: Mendota 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.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to changing weather, water availability and management needs, the flood up schedule may change at any time.

Recreational Vehicle Parking Draw Application (PDF)

NOTE: 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.

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You may not operate a drone on CDFW Lands without a Special Use Permit.


Area History

Beginning in 1949 a series of meetings were held throughout California to discuss acquisition of wetlands for State-owned waterfowl management areas. Purposes for acquisition included the economic necessity to protect agricultural crops from waterfowl depredation, the recognition of a need to protect waterfowl wintering habitat, and a desire to accommodate public waterfowl hunting.

One result of these meetings was that Mendota Wildlife Area was approved in concept. Initial approval for the actual acquisition of land to be designated as the wildlife area came in 1954, when funds were allocated for the purchase of approximately 6,100 acres in the Mendota Pools area. The property was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1956.

Subsequent acquisitions of land expanded the area. The wildlife area has always been managed primarily as seasonally flooded wetland, to provide the habitat needs of migratory waterfowl and associated species.

Related Documents

Outdoor California Article

Map of Mendota WA - click to open in new window
Click to enlarge

Location

Central Region (Region 4)

Fresno County

3 miles south of Mendota near Whites Bridge

Directions: Proceed 3 miles south and east from Mendota on Hwy 180 to Whites Bridge.

General Location Map

CDFW Lands Viewer