There are a number of programs being offered through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, CDFW, throughout the month of March.
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.
Also, as a general reminder, all calendar items are subject to change.
Various Days
Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) access permit application for fishing opportunities. Lake Barrett bass survey opportunities in April are open for applications in March through the SHARE program. A $15.12 non-refundable application fee is charged for each choice. For more information, visit the SHARE Fishing page.
Thursday, March 5
Flyway Nights Speaker Series – Max Stevenson: Putah Creek Salmon in the Yolo Bypass, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., via Zoom. Max Stevenson, the Putah Creek Streamkeeper, will talk about the fall-run chinook salmon migration through the Yolo Bypass. Thousands of adults come each year to spawn and millions of juvenile salmon can migrate out of Putah Creek, through the Toe Drain (aka Tule Canal) and to the ocean beyond. For more information, visit Yolo Basin Foundation’s Flyway Nights Speaker Series page.
Saturday, March 7
Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Milt Brandt Visitor Center, 3288 Skaggs Spring Road, Geyserville. The Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival is a free event celebrating the endangered steelhead trout, which returns annually to the Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery to spawn the next generation of fish. Adults and children can view nature exhibits and learn about environmental stewardship, preservation of natural resources and protection of threatened and endangered species. For more information, visit the festival website.
Wednesday, March 11
Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) access permit application deadline for bull elk hunts in Del Norte County. Five SHARE bull elk tags will be available to apply for until March 11. These first-time special spring hunts are meant to relieve elk depredation on 12 properties in the Del Norte South Side Group in Del Norte County. The hunts will take place between April 1 and June 30. Each hunter will have four consecutive days of access to be determined by the landowner and hunter. A $14.86 non-refundable application fee is charged to apply for this hunt. For more information, visit the SHARE Hunting page.
Bird Walk at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. See finches, hawks and herons; join CDFW and Sacramento Audubon Society for a family-friendly bird walk along the American River scenic trail. Expect easy walking with frequent stops to scan the river, riparian habitat and surrounding bluffs for local resident birds. Participants should be prepared with comfortable shoes, sun protection and water. Extra binoculars will be available. For more information, visit the event page or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
Thursday, March 12
California Fish and Game Commission Marine Resources Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m., California Natural Resources Building, 715 P St., Second Floor, Sacramento. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit the FGC website.
Saturday, March 14
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 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. The maximum group size is 25 people, first-come, first-served. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain. The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, call 916-358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
Sunday, March 15
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 julia.sisneros@wildlife.ca.gov.
Wednesday, March 18
Last Day of California spiny lobster recreational and commercial fishing season statewide. Recreational lobster report card data can be reported by logging on to CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website. All cards purchased for the 2025-2026 spiny lobster season must be reported by April 30 to avoid a non-return fee the following season. For more information, visit the Recreational Lobster Fishing page.
Saturday, March 21
Additional spring wild turkey season for hunters with junior hunting licenses opens (extending through March 22). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, see the Upland Game Bird Hunting Regulations.
Saturday, March 28
CDFW Fishing Clinic and Learn to Fish event with State Parks, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brannan Island State Recreation Area (BISRA), 17645 CA-160 Rio Vista. This event is for all ages, first come, first served. You must have a valid fishing license if you are 16 and older. Meet at the BISRA Pier, past the boat launch area at the dead end by the pier. For more information, visit the CDFW Fishing in the City – San Francisco Bay & Delta Region web page.
General spring wild turkey season opens (extending through May 3). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, see the Upland Game Bird Hunting Regulations.
