Oaks and grassland at Fremont Weir State Wildlife Area. Photograph donated anonymously. Fremont Weir State Wildlife Area is 1,461 acres of state-protected riparian forest on the south bank of the Sacramento River, southeast of Cunard. The vast majority of it is in Yolo County, but the northwest corner of it is in Sutter County—due to the fact that the Sacramento River has changed course in this area, and the county line is formed by the old river (now a narrow, curving lake) rather than by the current river.

The entire Fremont Weir State Wildlife Area is located inside the Yolo Bypass and thus also serves a floodway. During the winter, the Sacramento River sometimes overflows across the Fremont Weir, submerging Fremont Weir State Wildlife Area under as much as 10 feet of water or more. WARNING: Do not enter the Fremont Weir State Wildlife Area when the river is rising or water is flowing across the fields.

The plant life is dominated by valley oaks, willows, cottonwoods, and poison oak. Animals include native mule deer, desert cottontails, black-tailed jackrabbits, California quail, mourning doves, and various waterfowl, as well as non-native wild turkey, peafowl, and pheasants.

Rules

Camping and trailers are not allowed. No rifles or pistols may be used or possessed. Hunting is allowed daily from July 1 through January 31 for all legal species, and during the spring turkey season, when only turkeys may be taken.

Fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing are permitted. Please be considerate of the private land owners adjacent to the wildlife area.

Links

California Department of Fish and Game: Fremont Weir Wildlife Area Fremont Weir State Wildlife Area Fremont Weir State Wildlife Area (map)

See more: Hiking trails in Sutter County.

Comments

2013-02-17 10:23:50   Fremont Weir is best for mountain biking and hiking when hunting season is over. See the photos from my trip to Fremont Weir Wildlife Area. —BruceThomas