The recently released California Department of Fish and Wildlife calendar for April lists plenty of programs and activities for all ages.
Residents are reminded that 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 also 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.
Thursday, April 2
Wildlife Conservation Board Lower American River Conservancy Program advisory committee meeting, 10 a.m. to noon, California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P Street, Sacramento. This will be a hybrid meeting. For more information, visit the WCB web page.
Flyway Nights: Updates on the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., via Zoom. Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Manager Garrett Spaan will provide an overview of key projects and developments from the past year. His presentation will focus on major wetland restoration and habitat enhancement initiatives, along with other significant improvements and ongoing efforts within the wildlife area. For more information, visit Yolo Basin Foundation’s website. To register, visit the event registration page.
Sunday, April 5
City of Davis wetlands tour, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., City of Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant, 45400 County Road 28H, Davis. The City of Davis wetlands tours are hosted by Yolo Basin Foundation on the first Sunday of the month. These tours offer a refreshing outdoor experience to learn all about local wetlands, native fauna and flora, and the importance of these biodiverse ecosystems. There is no access to restrooms in the City of Davis wetlands – please arrange for this before arriving. Tours are rain or shine unless the roads are closed due to flooding. The auto tour route is subject to change due to road conditions and inclement weather. To register, visit the Yolo Basin wetland tours page.
Tuesday, April 7
California Bumble Bee Atlas Training Workshop, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., via Zoom. Engage in bumble bee conservation by becoming a community science volunteer with the California Bumble Bee Atlas. In this virtual training you’ll learn how to conduct a survey, including filling in the data sheet, netting and photography tips, and how to enter information into the online portal. There is no age limit or cost. Visit the Zoom webinar page to register. Learn more at the California Bumble Bee Atlas website or email cabumblebeeatlas@xerces.org with questions.
Saturday, April 11
Recreational ocean salmon season opens from Pigeon Point to the U.S./Mexico Border (Monterey and South). The Monterey management zone opens for recreational ocean salmon fishing on Saturday, April 11 with a regional harvest guideline of 21,000 Chinook. In season action may be taken to close the fishery or the remaining open days when total harvest is approaching the harvest guideline, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches total length. For more information, visit the Ocean Salmon web page or call either the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429 or the National Marine Fisheries Service Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (800) 662-9825. For questions, email ocean.salmon@wildlife.ca.gov.
Guided tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join CDFW for a free, family-friendly guided tour on the second Saturday of each month to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River. 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. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain or extreme heat, and the maximum group size is 25 people (first come, first served). The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
Tuesday, April 14
California Fish and Game Commission tribal committee meeting, time to be determined, California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, Second Floor, 715 P Street, Sacramento. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit the FGC website.
Wednesday, April 15
The 2026-27 hunting items go on sale. Hunters can purchase 2026-27 hunting licenses, tags and validations and apply for the annual Big Game Drawing. Items may be purchased at select CDFW license sales offices, online, license sales agents or by calling telephone sales at (800) 565-1458. Sales transactions for the Big Game Drawing applications must be completed before midnight on June 2, 2026. Contact a local CDFW license sales office for more information.
Wednesday, April 15
Thursday, April 16
California Fish and Game Commission meeting, time to be determined, California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, Second Floor, 715 P Street, Sacramento. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit the FGC website.
Sunday, April 19
Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 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 a fun craft. 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.
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area tour, 9 a.m. to noon, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters, 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis. Tours of the Wildlife Area are hosted on the third Sunday of the month from October through June. Explore the wildlife area and learn about migratory bird species, flood management techniques, agricultural practices, native plants of the wetlands and more. Participants are asked to dress in layers as weather can be unpredictable. Tours are rain or shine unless the roads are closed due to flooding or unsafe road conditions. The auto tour route is subject to change due to road conditions and inclement weather. For more information, visit the Yolo Basin wetland tours page.
Wednesday, April 22
California Natural Resources Agency Earth Day event, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Natural Resources Agency Building, 715 P Street, Sacramento. This free event will feature interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, live animal ambassadors, giveaways, a scavenger hunt and more. It will also offer an opportunity to connect with teams across the Natural Resources Agency. For more information, visit the CNRA Earth Day page.
Saturday, April 25
California Duck Days, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters, 45211 County Road 32B, Davis. California Duck Days is a family-oriented, community-based outdoor festival with activities for people of all ages. This will be the first festival with the new facilities on site. Popular activities are returning, including close encounters with ducklings, duck decoy painting, owl pellet dissection, wetland pond exploration, tours of the wildlife area and much more. Organizers will also be introducing some new elements, notably the new Yolo Basin Foundation Mobile Visitor Center. Food trucks will be available and parking is $25. For more information, visit the event page or email pemery@yolobasin.org.
Thursday, April 30
Deadline to report spiny lobster report cards. Lobster divers and hoop netters must report their lobster report card data by April 30. Report card holders who fail to return their spiny lobster report card by mail or report their data online by the deadline will be assessed a $21.60 non-return fee when they purchase a spiny lobster report card for the following season. Divers and hoop netters may report online or mail their report card to the address printed on the report card. To report online, visit CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website.
