The 2026 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Calendar for May includes plenty of opportunities to get outside and be active in nature.
Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires, flooding or storm damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.
As a reminder, 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.
Archery-only spring wild turkey and additional junior spring turkey seasons opened (archery-only spring wild turkey extends through May 18). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
May 9
Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 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 (please note no tours will be held June through August due to a summer closure). 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. The maximum group size is 25 people, first-come, first-served. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain/extreme heat. The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
San Joaquin Hatchery Community Planting Day, 9 a.m. to noon, Friant Interactive Nature Site, 3735 E Flemming St., Friant. Join CDFW for a hands-on native planting and invasive plant removal volunteer day. The day will also feature a discussion of the iNaturalist app and how to use it to identify native plants and conclude with a tour of the San Joaquin Hatchery. For more information and to register, visit the event page or email Rachel.Sapper@wildlife.ca.gov.
May 14
California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources Meeting, 8:30 a.m., California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, 715 P St., Second Floor, Sacramento. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit the FGC website.
May 16
Birdwatching at Los Banos Wildlife Area, 9 a.m., 18110 Henry Miller Ave., Los Banos. This event will start with a brief introduction of the Merlin Bird ID app and a history of Los Banos Wildlife Area as a migratory bird area. Participants will then be taken to different viewing points to look for and log bird species.
May 17
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 fun crafts. Please note there will be no Tot Time June through August due to a summer closure. 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.
May 19
California Fish and Game Commission Committee Meeting: Marine Protected Area Petitions, 8 a.m., in person in San Clemente; the meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit the FGC website.
May 23
Learn to Fish at Brannan Island, 9 a.m. to noon, Brannan Island State Recreation Area, Highway 160 south of Rio Vista. Join State Parks and CDFW at this Learn to Fish/Fishing in the City Program event at Brannan Island SRA. All ages are welcome, but ages 16 and over must present a valid fishing license. After arriving, drive straight back to the roundabout dead-end by the wooden pier. For more information, visit the State Parks event page.
May 28
California Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting, 10 a.m., Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P St., Sacramento. The public is welcome. For more information, visit the WCB webpage.
