As temperatures start to cool, it’s a great time to get outdoors and enjoy a variety of special programs offered through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Following are some of the activities planned for October.
Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires or storm damage. 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. 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.
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.
October 10
Dive Into Salmon & Steelhead: Nimbus Fish Hatchery Public Tour, 11 a.m. to noon, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. 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.
October 18
Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. 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.
October 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 past 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.
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 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.
