Mendota Wildlife Area

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.

Notice: Due to invasive water hyacinth, boat access may at times be restricted in Fresno Slough. Contact the Wildlife Area at (559) 655-4645 for current restrictions.

Facilities

The primary staffed locations at Mendota Wildlife Area are the Headquarters building off Santa Fe County Road and the Wildlife Area check station a short distance along the gravel access road from the entrance parking lot on W Whitesbridge Avenue.

Facility improvments on this property include access roads, parking lots, hunting blinds, and four boat launches. Roads and parking areas are unpaved dirt and gravel. A tour loop, open daily from sunrise to sunset, affords views of the Fresno Slough waterway. No vehicles or bicycles are allowed on the tour loop.

Accessibility

Seven accessible hunting blinds are available for use by mobility-impaired hunters. Contact the Wildlife Area at (559) 655-4645 for details.

Connectivity

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

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

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.

Learning About the Land

Articles

• Mendota Wildlife Area: A Key Habitat in the San Joaquin Valley (PDF) by Robert J. Huddleston ©2001, Outdoor California Magazine

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.

Notice: Due to invasive water hyacinth, boat access may at times be restricted in Fresno Slough. Contact the Wildlife Area at (559) 655-4645 for current restrictions.

Hunting

Notice: Due to changing weather, water availability and management needs, the flood up schedule for Mendota Wildlife Area may change at any time. Visit the check station for the current flood-up schedule and maps.

Hunting Pass 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.

The following game may be seasonally pursued at Mendota Wildlife Area:

Hunting Rules and Requirements:

• No rifles or pistols allowed. Take is only by shotgun or archery equipment.

Hunters are responsible for knowing and complying with all Bird Hunting and Land Use Regulations and all other rules and regulations in effect at Mendota Wildlife Area.

• 2024 Central Region Wildlife Area Meeting Slides (PDF)

Blinds for mobility-impaired hunters are available during waterfowl seasons. For more information, contact the Wildlife Area at (559) 655-4645.

Hunt Maps:

• General Hunt Map (PDF)
• Dove Hunt Map

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in designated areas. Common species include bass, striped bass, bluegill and catfish.

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

• Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations

Rules and Visitor Use

Be aware of the following rules while visiting Mendota Wildlife Area:

• No horses allowed (except during dog field trials)
• Dogs must be under owner's control at all times and on a leash (10-foot maximum) when not actively engaged in hunting, training or field trials
• Dog training is permitted in designated areas outside of waterfowl season
• No all-terrain vehicles or motorcycles allowed
• No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
• Camping only allowed in the check station parking lot for hunters on nights preceding waterfowl hunt days
• An entry permit from the check station is required for boat use

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

Notice: Rattlesnakes are present in the area. Visitors should use caution when on foot.

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the Wildlife Area at (559) 655-4645.