Secretary Haaland Visits Molok

Secretary Haaland Visits Molok

Congressman Mike Thompson, Secretary Deb Haaland, BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning, Sandra Schubert, Congressman John Garamendi on Molok Luyuk

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Fremont Weir State Wildlife Area

Yolo County

Oversight information

For the most current information on the area's condition, closures, flooding, and fire restrictions contact the DFW.

How To Get There

One used to be able to access the wildlife area from the east or the west, but access through the western conduit is currently in contention and private property owners have closed all access from that direction for the present time.  Please, respect their privacy and do not trespass.  You can enter the wildlife area from the east.  

From Woodland: Travel I-5 south toward Sacramento 7 miles over the Yolo Bypass Causeway and take the County Rd. 22 Exit before crossing over the Sacramento River. Turn east onto County Rd. 22 and take the first right, County Rd. 117, over the railroad tracks. Travel on County Rd. 117 for 5.8 miles and turn left (west) on County Rd. 16 (unpaved).  County Rd. 16 will terminate at the parking lot on the east levee of the Fremont Weir Wildlife Area.

Park at the top of the levee, and hike north along the levee, until you reach the weir. Then hike west, between the weir and the river, same as the western hike.  

As an aside: The east side access to the wildlife area was almost lost in 2007, but Tuleyome and others fought to keep it open to the public. You can read a little bit about that by CLICKING HERE.

The Hike Itself

The wildlife area  itself is relatively flat and comprised of riparian habitat, oak woodlands, and annual California grasses.   It contains a variety of native trees like oaks, willows and cottonwoods, and critters such as muskrats, deer and river otters.  It's also touted to be an "awesome" place for birding. Pheasant, valley quail and waterfowl are often found here. 

The wildlife area supports hunting and fishing (in season with the proper permits), hiking, walking and photography.

This wildlife area is basically a floodplain between the Sacramento River and the Yolo Bypass.  According to the Department of Fish and Wildlife: "The Fremont Weir Wildlife Area consists of approximately 1,500 acres. When the water level in the Sacramento River reaches a high level, the water flows over the Fremont Weir into the Yolo Bypass."  Because this is a floodplain, the Department of Fish and Wildlife warns: DO NOT ENTER THIS WILDLIFE AREA WHEN THE RIVER IS RISING OR WATER IS FLOWING ACROSS THE FIELDS. AFTER A HEAVY RAIN, COUNTY ROAD 16 CAN BE MUDDY. 

Also, keep yourself apprised of the water levels of the Sacramento River before you head out to the wildlife area during the rainy season.  Flooding of the wildlife area through the weir is automatic when the river exceeds about 34 feet... so there is no warning.  

For more information, call the North Central Region Rancho Cordova office of the Department of Fish and Wildlife at (916) 358-2900

Mileage

There are no developed trails, so the distance can be as much as you like.

 

Availability

  • Fitness: easy
  • Visible Signage:
  • Parking:
  • Horses:
  • Pets:
  • Restrooms:
  • Mountain Biking:
  • Overnight Camping:

Additional Resources