An acorn woodpecker near the American River in Sacramento County. CDFW Photo/Travis VanZant
All calendar items are subject to change.
Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires or storm damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.
Various Days — Kokanee Salmon at Stampede Reservoir, CA-89, Truckee. In May 2025, 50,000 kokanee fingerlings with clipped adipose fins were released into Stampede Reservoir. Anglers who catch kokanee from now through 2028 are encouraged to report their catch, whether the fish has a clipped fin or not. Your reports help CDFW understand how stocking contributes to the kokanee fishery. For more information, visit CDFW’s Fishing for Kokanee page or contact Rachel.Fichman@wildlife.ca.gov.
Various Days — Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Fishing Opportunities on North Fork Battle Creek. The SHARE program is offering a limited number of three-day permits for a recently added property. Successful applicants will gain access to nearly one mile of the North Fork Battle Creek not accessible to the public. Event dates are October 9-11, October 16-18 and October 23-25, 2026. Each date requires a separate application. Draws occur 17 days prior to the event. SHARE Access Permit applications can be purchased on the Online License Sales and Services page, at CDFW license sales offices, at retail license agents or by phone at (800) 565-1458. This is a catch-and-release experience. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. All SHARE participants will agree to adhere to all other CDFW fishing regulations for the area. A current fishing license is required. More information can be found on the SHARE Fishing page.
Saturdays and Sundays — Guided Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 10-11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Join a naturalist-led hike and learn about the wildlife, plants, history and conservation of this beautiful landscape. Hikes are 1.5-2 miles and take approximately 90 minutes, adapted to the participants’ interests. No registration is required. For more information, contact (831) 728-2822 or elkhornsloughed@cdfw.onmicrosoft.com.
1 — Tundra Swan Tour Registration Opens. Pacific Flyway enthusiasts rejoice! Come celebrate the billion-bird migration on the Pacific Flyway this fall and winter during one of CDFW’s wildly popular Swan Tours, held most Saturdays from November through early January. In partnership with Mathews Rice Operation, these free tours transverse privately-owned flooded rice fields north of Marysville. This area boasts one of the largest overwintering populations of tundra swans in the Central Valley, as well as abundant geese, ducks, shorebirds and raptors. Visit the registration page to sign up. For questions, contact Genelle.Treaster@wildlife.ca.gov.
1 — Groundfish Fishing South of Point Conception: Offshore-Only. Boat-based rockfish, cabezon, greenling and lingcod season is offshore-only in the Southern Groundfish Management Area from October 1 through December 31. As of October 1, and through the end of the year in the Southern Management Area, boat-based groundfish anglers may only fish “offshore” in waters seaward of the 50-fathom Rockfish Conservation Area line. Only shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod may be retained, while take and possession of nearshore rockfish, cabezon and greenling are prohibited. Visit CDFW's Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations web page for up-to-date regulations or email askmarine@wildlife.ca.gov.
2 — California Spiny Lobster Recreational Fishing Season Opens Statewide, 6 p.m. For more information about recreational lobster fishing and report card requirements, visit the Recreational Lobster Fishing page.
2 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit the event page.
3 — Open Wetlands at Ballona Salt Marsh, 9 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Los Angeles Audubon Society will host an Open Wetlands event at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve with the collaboration of Nature Nexus Institute staff. Volunteers will guide visitors in viewing aquatic invertebrates through microscopes, learning about the unique ecosystems found at Ballona and viewing birds through powerful spotting scopes along Ballona Creek. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Entry is through the gate in the northeast corner of the parking lot behind the 300 block of Culver Blvd. For more information, visit the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve page or email ecobar@naturenexusinstitute.org.
3 — Early Bird Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 8:30-11:30 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Amateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Hike! Join an early morning guided hike with an expert local birder and learn about the species that live in or migrate through the diverse habitats of this watershed. Hikes are 2-3 miles and take approximately three hours, adapted to the participants’ interests. Check in at the visitor center for this free activity! No registration is required. For more information, contact (831) 728-2822 or elkhornsloughed@cdfw.onmicrosoft.com.
3 — General Duck and Goose Season Opens in the Northeastern Waterfowl Zone. For more information about regulations, visit the Waterfowl Hunting page.
3 — Early Season for Large Canada Geese Opens in the Balance of State Zone. For more information about regulations, visit the Waterfowl Hunting page.
3-4 — Early Season Junior Hunt for Quail in the Mojave National Preserve. For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
4 — Trout in the Classroom Teacher Training Workshop, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., via Teams. This CDFW Teacher Workshop is required for new Trout in the Classroom (TIC) participants and returning teachers who have not participated in three years. We will be going over everything needed to successfully run the TIC program in your classroom, from sending in your application to releasing your trout and everything else in between. This virtual workshop requires an internet connection along with access to a microphone and camera. Be sure to complete the registration form in full. To register, visit the Teams event page. For more information, email Abram Tucker at Abram.Tucker@wildlife.ca.gov.
4 — Salt Marsh and Dunes Tour at Ballona Reserve, 10 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Explore the wonder of nature in the middle of urban Los Angeles! Friends of Ballona Wetlands docents will lead participants through the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve while explaining its history and ecology. Enjoy the unique native plants on the journey through different habitats. Participants might even meet some of the local wildlife. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit the event page.
7 — California Spiny Lobster Commercial Fishing Season Opens Statewide. For more information on commercial lobster management, visit the Commercial Regulations page.
10 — Explore the Bay: Marine Life Inventory at the Back Bay Science Center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 600 Shellmaker Road, Newport Beach (92660). The Explore the Bay: Marine Life Inventory is a scientific monitoring program that takes place one Saturday a month. This is a hands-on opportunity for people 13 years and older to participate in data collection where organisms are collected, identified, measured and re-released. The program starts with an introductory lesson about Upper Newport Bay. Participants then go into the field to deploy scientific sampling equipment and capture data. The program concludes with an analysis of the data and the importance of community science in a biologically diverse area. As this is a hands-on program, participants should be prepared to get wet and muddy, handle live organisms and transcribe data. To register, please send an email to Jene.Dietz@wildlife.ca.gov with the date you are interested in attending, the number of people in your party and any questions you may have. Participants under 18 must have a parent/guardian present. For more information on the Back Bay Science Center, visit their website.
10 — Early Archery-Only Season for Pheasant Opens (extending through November 1). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
10 — Fiji Trail Invasive Plant Removal at Ballona Reserve, 9-11 a.m., 13730 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey (90292). Help CDFW remove invasive weeds in the public access trail known as the Fiji Trail in Area A. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology with a chance to witness the beauty of the area’s flora and fauna. The time and effort put into clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking is free on a first-come, first-served basis with an area to lock up bicycles. Registration on site will consist of a volunteer signup form/waiver. All ages are welcome, but minors will need a parent or guardian present at all times. For more information, email Michael.Schneider@wildlife.ca.gov.
10 — Ballona Creek Cleanup at Ballona Reserve, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands clean up the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles. Did you know that 130 square miles of storm drain flow into Ballona Creek? Gutter trash from as far away as North Hollywood can end up right in the wetlands. The time and effort put into clearing out debris means less trash in the wetlands, on beaches and in the open ocean. Parking and entrance gates are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit the event page.
10 — Dive Into Salmon & Steelhead: Nimbus Fish Hatchery Public Tour, 11 a.m. to noon, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW for a free, family-friendly, guided tour to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River on the second Saturday of each month. Learn about the amazing life cycle of salmon and steelhead, walk along the American River and discuss hatchery operations. Participants may see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. Registration is not required. For more information, contact Molly.Shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
11 — Open Wetlands at Ballona Salt Marsh, 9 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Los Angeles Audubon Society will host an Open Wetlands event at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve with the collaboration of Nature Nexus Institute staff. Volunteers will guide visitors in viewing aquatic invertebrates through microscopes, learning about the unique ecosystems found at Ballona and viewing birds through powerful spotting scopes along Ballona Creek. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Entry is through the gate in the northeast corner of the parking lot behind the 300 block of Culver Blvd. For more information, visit the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve page or email ecobar@naturenexusinstitute.org.
13-16 — California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday ;(wildlife and inland fisheries items), 8:30 a.m. Wednesday (marine items and MPA petitions), Thursday (MPA petitions), and Friday (MPA petitions), California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, 715 P St., Sacramento (95814). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit the FGC website.
16 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit the event page.
17 — Invasive Plant Removal at Area C-South (Ballfields) Ballona Reserve, 9-11 a.m., 13200 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Help CDFW remove invasive weeds in Area C-South, commonly known as the Ballfields. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology with a chance to witness the beauty of the area's flora and fauna. The time and effort put into clearing out invasive vegetation give our slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will be on site and consist of a volunteer signup form/waiver. All ages are welcome, but minors will need to have a parent or guardian present at all times. For more information, visit the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve page or email Michael.Schneider@wildlife.ca.gov.
17 — General Season for All Quail Opens in Zone Q1 and Zone Q3 (extending through January 31, 2027). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
17 — General Season for Chukar Opens Statewide (extending through January 31, 2027). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
17 — General Snipe Season Opens Statewide (extending through January 31, 2027). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
18 — Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11-11:45 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW for Tot Time every third Sunday of the month at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center for nature-themed stories and to create fun crafts! Recommended for children ages 2-7 years, with parent/guardian supervision. There is no cost for these events and registration is not required. For more information, email Molly.Shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
23 — General Duck and Goose Season Opens in the Colorado River Waterfowl Zone. For more information, visit the Waterfowl Hunting page.
24 — General Duck and Goose Season Opens in the Balance of State, Southern San Joaquin Valley and Southern California Waterfowl Zones. For more information, visit the Waterfowl Hunting page.
24 — Fishing in the City: Brannan Island State Recreation Area, 9 a.m. to noon, Highway 160 south of Rio Vista. This Fishing in the City event in partnership with State Parks introduces youth ages 5-15 and adults 16 and up to fishing in the channels and sloughs of the Delta. Learn what to fish here and how to fish along a bank or pier through local fish identification, fishing ethics, equipment needed, rigging, knot tying, baiting and casting a fishing rod, and hopefully landing a catch! Meet at the wooden pier towards the back of the park. Continue straight upon entering, drive straight passed the boat launch until the parking lot ends with the wooden pier on your right before a roundabout. Participants ages 16 and up require a fishing license, which can be purchased at CDFW’s Online License Sales page. Some fishing poles will be available for loan during the event or participants can bring their own. The event is first come, first served. For questions, email Sabreena.Britt@wildlife.ca.gov.
24 — Fiji Trail Invasive Plant Removal at Ballona Reserve, 9-11 a.m., 13730 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey (90292). Help CDFW remove invasive weeds in the public access trail known as the Fiji Trail in Area A. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology with a chance to witness the beauty of the area’s flora and fauna. The time and effort put into clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking is free on a first-come, first-served basis with an area to lock up bicycles. Registration on site will consist of a volunteer signup form/waiver. All ages are welcome, but minors will need a parent or guardian present at all times. For more information, email Michael.Schneider@wildlife.ca.gov.
24 — Community Habitat Restoration, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit the event page.
24 — Big Springs Community Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Big Springs Ranch Wildlife Area, 4415 East Louie Road, Montague (96064). Join CDFW, California Trout and local partners for a free, family-friendly event along the bank of Shasta River on the Big Springs Wildlife Area. Spend a memorable day observing spawning chinook salmon and capturing your experience through nature journaling. Explore the Shasta River and discover the importance of local habitat restoration efforts while learning about the salmon life cycle and the fascinating ecology and geology that shape this unique region. No registration required. This event is not ADA accessible. For more information, visit the California Trout events page or contact shastaevents@caltrout.org.
24 — Mindfulness Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2-4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Treat yourself to an outer and inner exploration on a two-hour walk to open the senses. Experience the different habitats and their varying cycles in this amazing place which many species call home. The tour covers about 2 miles of easy-moderate grade trail. Check in at the visitor center for this free activity. No registration is required. For more information, visit the Elkhorn Slough Calendar page.
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Media Contact:
Amanda McDermott, CDFW Communications, (916) 738-9641