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Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area

Notice: The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is conducting a multi-year levee reconstruction project north of the Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area. The Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area will remain open to all recreational users during this time. Please take note of any signage in the area. You can find more information about the Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project at DWR’s website.

Description

The 360-acre Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area is an important cover and feeding area for wildlife during late fall, winter, and early spring. Vegetation varies throughout the area from mature cottonwood trees, willows and valley oaks in some locations to a sparsely-covered sandy soil area on the eastern end. Game birds, raptors, songbirds and native mammals are all present. The Tule Canal has white catfish and black crappie while the nearby borrow pits have largemouth bass, bluegill and white catfish.

For more information, call the North Central Region's Rancho Cordova office at (916) 358-2900.

Recreational Opportunities

Fishing Wildlife Viewing Waterfowl Hunting Pheasant Hunting Quail Hunting Hunting with Shotguns

Activities: fishing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and hunting

Hunting: Game species include waterfowl (when the area is flooded), ring-necked pheasant, and mourning dove.

Type C: Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area does not require the purchase of a hunting pass for entry. Entry permits and/or passes or special drawing may be required for hunting on some Type C wildlife areas.

Facilities: None

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.

no drones icon
You may not operate a drone on CDFW Lands without a Special Use Permit.

Area History

In 1962, a 15.52-acre property was acquired through a Transfer of Control and Possession Agreement with the Reclamation Board. The floor of the bypass was acquired in 1977 through a lease agreement, for a period of 50 years. In 1988, the property was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission.

Map of Sacramento Bypass WA location - click to enlarge in new window
Click to enlarge

Location

North Central Region (Region 2)

Yolo County

approximately 4 miles west of Sacramento on west side of Sacramento River

Access:

From I-80: take the Reed Avenue exit and proceed east to Harbor Boulevard. Travel north on Harbor Boulevard approximately 1 mile to the bypass, which is between Road 127 and Road 126.

From Business-80: take the Harbor Boulevard exit and proceed north approximately 2 miles. County Road 127 turns west from Harbor Boulevard and runs along the southern edge of the wildlife area. County Road 126 parallels the north side of the bypass.

Access is gained at numerous points from County Roads 126 or 127. There is a gate across Road 127 and vehicles are not allowed on the levee road. Road 126 is paved for one mile before encountering a gate, restricting further vehicle access along the levee. It is here the road turns north onto Road 124.

Topographic Map (PDF)

CDFW Lands Viewer

Wildlife Branch - Lands Program
Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090