With the leaves turning color and the weather turning cooler, November offers plenty of opportunities to get outside to learn about and enjoy nature. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has many activities on the schedule.
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. All calendar items are subject to change.
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.
Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Access Permit Application Deadlines for Multiple Hunting Opportunities. Wild pig and waterfowl hunts are available through the SHARE program this winter. A $15.12 non-refundable application fee is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit the SHARE page.
Tundra Swan Tours. 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.
Saturdays and Sundays
Guided Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. 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.
Nov. 6-8
Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S Hutchins Street, Lodi. Each year, thousands of visitors come to the Lodi area to witness the remarkable return of sandhill cranes to local wildlife refuges and farmlands. The region’s water, soil, climate, agricultural lands and protected habitat provide an ideal home for the cranes while enriching the community and supporting the local economy. The 28th Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival will feature a full weekend of festivities, with guided crane tours offered throughout the event. Admission to the festival is free. Tour prices vary. For more information, visit the Sandhill Crane Festival website.
Nov. 7
Early Bird Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. 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 two to three 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.
Nov. 14
Fall Wild Turkey Season Opens Statewide (extends through Dec. 13).
General Pheasant Season Opens Statewide (extends through Dec. 27).
Late Season Dove Hunting Opens Statewide (extends through Dec. 28).
For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
Nov. 15
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.
Nov. 21
Fishing in the City: Brannan Island State Recreation Area, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 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. There is a $10 parking fee to stay in the park after the program. For questions, email sabreena.britt@wildlife.ca.gov.
Nov. 28
Mindfulness Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. 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 two 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 or email elkhornsloughed@CDFW.onmicrosoft.com.
