Shasta Valley Wildlife Area

The Shasta Valley Wildlife Area encompasses approximately 4,700 acres of Great Basin juniper woodland, riparian forest, seasonal wetlands, and crop lands, with Mt. Shasta as a backdrop. There are three deep water reservoirs and numerous seasonal wetlands on the wildlife area. Sandhill cranes, waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds are commonly seen at Shasta Valley, while deer, porcupines, and coyotes are among the mammals found here.

Notice: During waterfowl season, non-hunting public use is only allowed on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Access is walk-in only from the Headquarters entrance gate during the hunting season from October 1 through January 31.

Entry Passes

A CDFW Lands Pass must be in possession of anyone 16 years of age or older while visiting Shasta Valley 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 Shasta Valley 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-B wildlife areas.

Facilities

The primary staffed location on the property is the Headquarters building adjacent to the entrance gate. Access roads, seven designated parking areas and limited boat ramp facilities are available. This property is otherwise largely undeveloped and offers no other facility improvements.

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

• Shasta Valley Wildlife Area Public Use Map (PDF)
• Shasta Valley Birding Checklist (PDF)

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

History

The Shasta Valley Wildlife Area was designated as a Wildlife Area by the California Fish and Game Commission in 1991.

Learning About the Land

Articles

The Greater Sandhill Cranes of Shasta Valley (PDF) by R. Robert Smith ©1999, Outdoor California Magazine

Photos and Media

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: Shasta Valley Wildlife Area is open for waterfowl hunting for the 2023-2024 season, but dry field hunting only. Upland game hunting will be allowed on normal shoot days. Pheasant hunting is allowed on Sundays by reservation only. The area will be closed to all hunting December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Hunting Pass Type B: Shasta Valley Wildlife Area requires adult hunters to purchase a Type A or B season hunting pass in advance for waterfowl and pheasant hunting for all authorized shoot days of the season. Reservations are required for the opening weekend of waterfowl season for Type B wildlife areas and may be required for the opening of pheasant season.

The following game may be seasonally pursued at Shasta Valley Wildlife Area:

See below for more information on species-specific hunting opportunities.

Hunting Rules and Requirements

• Pheasant: Reservations may be required for the opening of pheasant season. Contact the Wildlife Area at (530) 459-3926 for details.
• Waterfowl: Reservations are required for the opening weekend of waterfowl season for Type B wildlife areas.
• 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 and all other rules and regulations in effect at Shasta Valley Wildlife Area.

• License Items and Fees for Hunters
• Online Reservation Procedures for Waterfowl Hunters

Hunt Maps

• Hunt Map (PDF)

Fishing

Two available reservoirs, Trout Lake and Bass Lake, provide angling opportunities for rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Trout Lake provides a trophy fishery for both Eagle rainbow trout and largemouth bass.

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

• Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations

Rules and Visitor Use

• Shasta Vally Wildlife Area Public Use Map (PDF)

Be aware of the following rules while visiting Shasta Valley Wildlife Area:

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

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

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the Wildlife Area at (530) 459-3926.