Whether you like to hike, photograph, birdwatch, hunt, bicycle, or learn something new at the Visitor Center, there is something for everyone to do at the Sacramento NWR Complex.
NEWS on DROUGHT IMPACTS - 2022-23
Due to drought conditions at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, waterfowl hunting season opener is delayed and other recreational opportunities may potentially be impacted.
CHECK HERE FOR UPDATES TO VISITOR USE AREAS AND ACTIVITIES...we will post information as soon as it becomes available:
- FALL FLOOD-UPS =
- Sacramento, Delevan and Colusa NWRs are anticipated to be able to flood 50% of their total wetlands this year. Flood-ups have started and should be done by mid-November. Water availability, wind, temperature, and precipitation will affect our ability to flood up, and changes to our best-laid plans are LIKELY. Please be patient as we do our best with the conditions at hand.
- Sutter NWR = it is unknown at this time if/when Sutter will receive water. We will provide information as soon as it is available.
- Steve Thompson North Central Valley WMA - Llano Seco Unit is anticipated to be able to flood 100% of their total wetlands this year. Flood-ups will begin October 1 and should be done by mid-November.
- HUNTING =
- Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa NWRs are anticipated to open to hunting at a reduced quota once the refuges reach the mark of 50% flooded (mid-November)
- Sutter NWR = it is unknown at this time if/when Sutter will be open to hunting. We will provide information as soon as it is available.
- Sacramento River NWR = the hunting areas of Sacramento River NWR will remain open
- AUTO TOURS = the auto tours at Sacramento and Colusa NWRs are anticipated to remain open at this time
- Many, but not all, of the ponds along the auto tours are anticipated to be flooded
- The ponds at the beginning of the Colusa auto tour are anticipated to remain DRY, including the pond at the observation deck, due to insufficient water in the canal that supplies the lift pump for this section of the refuge (everything to the northeast of the Colusa Basin Drain)
- Many, but not all, of the ponds along the auto tours are anticipated to be flooded
- TRAILS = the trails at Sacramento NWR, Colusa NWR, Sutter NWR (spring trails), Sacramento River NWR and the Llano Seco Unit are anticipated to remain open at this time
- PHOTOGRAPHY BLINDS =
- Photo Blinds #1 and #2 at Sacramento NWR are anticipated to be available
- Photo Blinds #3 and #4 at Colusa NWR and Delevan NWR will NOT be available due to lack of water
- Reservation applications will be received for Photo Blinds #1 and #2 from September 15 - October 15 (2 weeks later this year)
- **CLOSURES** = due to drought conditions, it is unknown what impacts will be to wildlife health, concentrations and distribution. We will be monitoring waterfowl populations and disease outbreaks (avian botulism, avian cholera and avian influenza) closely, and MAY DEEM IT NECESSARY AT ANY POINT TO CLOSE OR REDUCE PUBLIC USE to minimize disturbance and reduce waterfowl concentrations.
