Department of Fish and Game Web Maintenance July 12-13

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Things to do at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

General Information

While Yolo Bypass retains its historic flood-control priority, the area has been restored to create permanent ponds and seasonal wetlands for wintering waterfowl and other species.

Thanks to the Department of Fish and Game's partnerships and collaborative efforts with the Yolo Basin Foundation, Californians are the beneficiaries of a unique wildlife sanctuary.

Click on the logos below to visit our partners and collaborators.

US Fish and Wildlife Service
Dept. of Water Resources
US Army Corps of Engineers
California Dept. of Transportation
Ducks Unlimited
Yolo County
Yolo Basin Foundation
California Waterfowl Association
The Reclamation Board

Hunting

For excellent waterfowl and upland game bird hunting, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area offers hunters more than 1,900 acres of wetland and upland habitat.

Reservations: Available during the waterfowl and pheasant seasons. Hunters without reservations may register at the area headquarters 2 miles west of the hunter check station on County Road 32-B (Chiles Rd.) between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Hunters without reservations or lottery numbers will be assigned first-come, first-served numbers beginning two hours before shooting time at the hunter check station, which is located within the bypass.

Checking Stations: During approved hunting seasons, the parking lot and checking stations will open two hours before shooting time. Overnight parking is not permitted.

Click to view a map of Yolo Bypass

Wildlife Viewing

Increasingly, people and birds are drawn to the Yolo wetlands. Scientists, bird enthusiasts and schoolchildren visit the wetlands on guided tours to witness first-hand the awe-inspiring sights and sounds of waterfowl.

The Yolo Basin Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Fish and Game, through the Discover the Flyway program, has trained hundreds of teachers to lead thousands of schoolchildren on field activities while visiting Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area.

The Yolo Basin Foundation believes that education is the cornerstone of perpetual protection for our wetlands and wildlife.