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5 Essential Facts About Fremont Weir Wildlife Area: The Massive Restoration Project Changing Its Future

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The Fremont Weir Wildlife Area (FWWA) is currently at the center of one of California's most ambitious environmental engineering projects, making it a critical focus for both conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts. As of today, December 25, 2025, the area remains a vital 1,461-acre refuge for wildlife and a popular destination for fishing and bird-watching, but its future is being fundamentally reshaped by the ongoing Yolo Bypass Salmonid Habitat Restoration efforts. Visitors must be aware of major construction updates and critical safety warnings related to flooding, especially concerning the massive infrastructure changes at the historic Fremont Weir.

This unique natural space, situated at the confluence of Sutter and Yolo Counties, offers a dynamic blend of riparian habitat, oak woodlands, and extensive wetlands. However, the most pressing information for any potential visitor involves the Big Notch Project, a significant modification to the weir itself, which is designed to revolutionize fish passage in the Central Valley and requires all visitors to check for up-to-the-minute access restrictions before arrival.

The Big Notch Project: A New Era for Salmon and Sturgeon

The single most important development impacting the Fremont Weir Wildlife Area is the Big Notch Project. This massive undertaking is not just a minor repair; it is a fundamental restructuring of the historic Fremont Weir, which has long served as a key piece of flood control infrastructure but also a significant barrier to native fish migration.

What is the Big Notch Project?

The Big Notch Project is formally titled the Yolo Bypass Salmonid Habitat Restoration and Fish Passage Project. It is a major component of a larger, long-term strategy to restore the ecological function of the Yolo Bypass floodway. The project is mandated by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Operation Biological Opinion (BO), underscoring its importance to federal and state conservation goals.

The core of the project involves the removal of a section of the existing Fremont Weir and the construction of a new, gated opening—the "notch"—on the weir’s east side. This new structure is complemented by a new headworks structure, an outlet channel, and downstream channel improvements.

The Critical Goal of Fish Passage

The primary purpose of this massive engineering effort is to facilitate the migration of native fish species. The original Fremont Weir historically posed a significant migration barrier, particularly for adult and juvenile salmonids and sturgeon.

  • Juvenile Salmonids: The new headworks and notch structure are designed to control water flow from the Sacramento River into the Yolo Bypass, enabling juvenile Chinook Salmon to access critical floodplain rearing habitat during high-water events.
  • Adult Sturgeon: The modifications will also improve passage for adult fish, including the endangered Green Sturgeon, which are often attracted to the flows of the Yolo Bypass but are blocked by the existing weir structure.

This restoration work, led by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Bureau of Reclamation, represents a significant investment in the ecological health of the Central Valley's waterways.

Essential Visitor Information, Access, and Safety Warnings

For anyone planning a trip to the Fremont Weir Wildlife Area, understanding the current access rules and safety warnings is paramount, especially with the ongoing construction and the area's primary function as a flood control bypass.

Strict Access and Navigation Rules

The Fremont Weir Wildlife Area is located in a remote area, and access is strictly controlled. The ONLY vehicle access to the wildlife area is from County Road 16 on the east side. Access to the west side is currently restricted and in contention, making the eastern entrance the sole reliable point of entry.

Visitors should be aware of the following regulations:

  • No Rifles or Pistols: The use or possession of rifles or pistols is strictly prohibited within the area.
  • No Camping or Fires: Camping, campfires, and trailers are not allowed.
  • Check for Closures: Always contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) for the most current information on the area's condition, closures, flooding, and fire restrictions.

CRITICAL FLOOD WARNING: A major safety warning for all visitors is to NEVER ENTER the wildlife area when the river is rising or when water is flowing across the fields. The area is an active flood bypass, and conditions can change rapidly and become extremely dangerous.

A Haven for Birding and Seasonal Hunting

Despite the infrastructure work, the Fremont Weir Wildlife Area remains a premier destination for passive recreation, particularly bird watching and seasonal hunting, thanks to its diverse and protected habitat. The area's 1,461 acres are a mosaic of habitat types, including old-growth floodplain forest, willow scrub, and extensive wetlands, which attract a wide variety of species.

Recent Bird Sightings and Wildlife Viewing

The area's conservation efforts, supported by groups like the Yolo Bird Alliance, focus on protecting and expanding local bird habitat. The location at the north end of the Yolo Bypass makes it a critical stopover and nesting site.

Birders continue to report exciting and rare sightings, confirming the ecological value of the area even amid construction:

  • Summer 2025 Sightings: Recent reports from the Summer 2025 season highlight the presence of several notable species, including multiple sightings of the Dusky Flycatcher and a report of a Gray Flycatcher.
  • Seasonal Rarities: The area has also hosted a calling Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a species of high conservation concern, demonstrating the importance of the riparian habitat along the Sacramento River and Yolo Bypass.

Wildlife viewing is a year-round activity, with visitors having the opportunity to spot various mammals, reptiles, and amphibians native to the Central Valley. The blend of riparian habitat and oak woodlands provides essential cover and foraging grounds.

Seasonal Hunting and Fishing Opportunities

The Fremont Weir Wildlife Area is a designated public hunting area, with regulations set by the DFW. Hunting is generally allowed daily from July 1 through January 31 for all legal species, but the area is most renowned for its waterfowl hunting.

Fishing is also permitted, offering anglers access to the waterways connected to the Sacramento River. While specific species caught vary seasonally, the area is known for supporting populations of Striped Bass, Catfish, and various other river-dwelling fish. The long-term goal of the Big Notch Project is to significantly improve the health and numbers of salmon and sturgeon, which will undoubtedly enhance the fishing experience in the future.

The Future of Fremont Weir Wildlife Area

The Fremont Weir Wildlife Area is a dynamic landscape where flood control, conservation, and recreation intersect. The ongoing Big Notch Project represents a pivotal moment in its history, promising to transform it into an even more ecologically productive system for native fish like the Chinook Salmon and sturgeon.

As the construction progresses and the Yolo Bypass Salmonid Habitat Restoration goals are realized, the area will solidify its role as a key component of California's water infrastructure and a vital sanctuary for its wildlife. Visitors are encouraged to prioritize safety by heeding the high-water warnings and checking with the DFW for the latest access information, ensuring that they can enjoy the area's unique natural beauty responsibly.

5 Essential Facts About Fremont Weir Wildlife Area: The Massive Restoration Project Changing Its Future
fremont weir wildlife area
fremont weir wildlife area

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