As we move into March, we will see several changes in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Spring is the time for seasonal wetlands to be drawn down; so many ponds will become mudflats and then dry up completely. This change promotes the germination of moist-soil plants that produce a high seed load. The seed is an important source of food for fall migratory waterfowl. Some water will be held in a few specific ponds through the spring for our Discover the Flyway school programs as well as for ducklings.

It is likely that the dam at parking lot G, also known as the Los Rios Check Dam, will be put in place early due to expected drought conditions. This dam is removed in the fall to allow water to flow for salmon, but is needed to help store water though the summer for agriculture and flooding of wetlands. In the southern portion of the Wildlife Area, pastures are irrigated with the help of this water. Currently thousands of geese are eating on the greens to gain the needed nutrients for their migration back north.

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November 11, 2021

The area beyond the hunter check station is now closed to the general public for waterfowl season. See the Wildlife Area map for the location of the hunter check station, just east of Lot D. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays are hunt days. For questions about hunting or management of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (530) 757-2461.

July 27, 2021

Each year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife works with the current rice farmer of the Wildlife Area to provide habitat ideal for migrating shorebirds. The lease of the rice farmers includes flooding up about 150 acres of shorebird habitat during the months of July and August. These fields are flooded slowly at depths varying from 0.5 to 6 inches to attract shore birds.

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The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is open everyday except December 25 and when flooded. The area is open sunrise to sunset. For directions to and a map of the YBWA, CLICK HERE.

October 31, 2020

The area beyond the hunter check station is now closed to the general public for waterfowl season. See the Wildlife Area map for the location of the hunter check station, just east of Lot D. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays are hunt days. For questions about hunting or management of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (530) 757-2461.

July 14, 2020

There are currently no porta potties in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Please take this into consideration as you plan your visit! California Department of Fish and Wildlife is working to have them back in place as soon as possible. Thanks for your understanding.

You may have recently noticed additional animals in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area! The Wildlife Area is a multi-benefit, working landscape that includes a cattle grazing lease north of the I-80 Causeway. The cows are contained and behind an electric fence. Please give them space and admire from a distance! In the southern portions of the Wildlife Area, there are more areas leased for cattle grazing.

Next time you drive east on Interstate 80, before you cross the Yolo Causeway, be sure to look for the brand-new sign that was installed on May 22, 2020. The sign displays the logos of the many Yolo Basin partners who worked together towards the establishment of the Vic Fazio Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. The original sign was destroyed during a big wind storm in the winter of 2017. “Yolo Basin Foundation is pleased to be able to honor former Congressman Vic Fazio by installing the new sign. His legacy lives on through the thousands of people who visit the 16,800-acre Vic Fazio Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area each year and the hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife that call it home,” stated Bill Ziebron, Yolo Basin Foundation Board Chair.

Ducks Unlimited provided the new sign design. Manufacture and installation of the sign was made possible through funding from California Department of Water Resources, California State Water Contractors Association, and Kathy Sawyer, wife of Vic Fazio.

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The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) is open sunrise to sunset 364 days a year, except when flooded. Posted speed limit is 15 mph. Please be courteous of others and drive safely.

Spring and summer is rice season. This collaboration between local rice growers and the state helps with land management costs and creates bird friendly habitat. Additionally, those farming the area are required to set aside two parcels of land for summertime shorebird habitat. These areas are flooding in succession in July and August to provide the shallow water habitat preferred by migrating shorebirds. Location of these areas will be posted on our website and on our Facebook page.

October through February is hunt season. More information about hunting in the YBWA can be found here.

The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is open everyday except December 25 and when flooded. The area is open sunrise to sunset. For directions to and a map of the YBWA, CLICK HERE.