Ash Creek Wildlife Area

Overview

Ash Creek Wildlife Area, located in rural norteastern California, is one of the most remote and pristine of all CDFW-managed lands. This varied landscape of natural wetlands, vernal pools and upland sagebrush country is home to many animals, such as pronghorn antelope, bobcat and numerous bird species. Fishing, hunting, camping and hiking are among the most popular activities here.

Location

CDFW Lands Viewer
Printable Map (PDF)

Northern Region (Region 1)

Lassen and Modoc Counties

Highway 299, 4 miles northeast of Bieber
(Approximately 105 miles from Redding)

Directions: The Wildlife Area office is at 659-695 Lassen State Highway (Highway 299), east of Bieber. From Highway 299 at the town of Bieber, take Bieber Lookout Road north; from Highway 299 at the town of Adin, take Lookout Road west.

Wildlife Area Contact: (530) 294-5824

Northern Region Redding Office: (530) 225-2300

Activities

  Wildlife Viewing
  Hiking Trails
  Hunting: Small Game
  Hunting: Upland Game Birds
  Hunting: Waterfowl
  Fishing

Refer to the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

Hunting

Hunting Pass Type B: Ash Creek Wildlife Area requires adult hunters to purchase a Type A or B season hunting pass in advance for waterfowl and pheasant hunting for all authorized shoot days of the season. Reservations are required for the opening weekend of waterfowl season for Type B wildlife areas and may be required for the opening of pheasant season.

The following game may be seasonally pursued at Ash Creek Wildlife Area:

See below for more information on species-specific hunting opportunities.

Hunting Rules and Requirements:

  • During the waterfowl and pheasant hunt seasons, the wildlife area is closed to all public use with the exception of Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays for hunting only.
  • Adult waterfowl hunters must purchase a Type A or B season hunting pass in advance for all waterfowl hunting. Reservations are required for the opening weekend of waterfowl season.
  • Adult pheasant hunters must purchase a Type A or B season hunting pass in advance for all pheasant hunting. Reservations may be required for the opening of pheasant season. Contact the Wildlife Area at (530) 294-5824 for up-to-date information.

In addition to the above, hunters are responsible for knowing and complying with all Bird Hunting and Land Use Regulations, Mammal Hunting Regulations, and all other rules and regulations in effect at Ash Creek Wildlife Area.

The 285 acres of wetlands that were re-leveled and re-contoured in 2014 have produced excellent stands of swamp timothy, smartweed and Tule patches, which provide good cover for waterfowl hunters. These projects have increased the total managed wetland acreage by 30%, improved water conservation and provided additional hunting opportunities. The deep water ponds that were excavated during the restoration project vary in size from less than one acre to several acres. Early in the waterfowl season these ponds are dependent on ground water and surface flows to fill. When completely full, they average in depth from 4 to 7 feet and the side slopes entering the ponds may be steep in some areas. When hunting in these areas, the use of a retrieving dog is highly recommended.

Fishing

A valid CDFW fishing license is required. Check fishing regulations for current licensing fees. Licenses are not available at Ash Creek Wildlife Area and must be purchased before arrival.

Rules and Visitor Use

Be aware of the following rules while visiting Ash Creek Wildlife Area:

  • No horses allowed
  • Dogs must be under owner's control at all times
  • No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
  • Camping allowed

In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at Ash Creek Wildlife Area.

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the Wildlife Area at (530) 294-5824.

Facilities:

The primary staffed location on the property is the Wildlife Area office at 659-695 Lassen State Highway (Highway 299).

Facility improvements on this land include parking lots, access roads, hiking trails, restrooms and an informational kiosk. Popular visitor activities include fishing, hunting, camping, wildlife viewing, hiking, and birdwatching.

Area History

Big Valley is a farming region with major emphasis on the production of alfalfa, native meadow hay, cereal grains, and livestock. Cereal grains were raised in greater acreages in the past. Agricultural use began by 1900, and since then the land has been managed similarly to other lands in Big Valley. These practices were mostly compatible with wildlife.

In the 1980s, livestock grazing was dramatically increased on the former ranch and plans were developed to drain and farm the tule marsh. These planned activities would have been extremely detrimental to the wetlands and associated wildlife. To preserve habitat for native species, the land was purchased by CDFW and designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1986.

In 2014, The Ash Creek Wildlife Area underwent a major 3,485-acre wetland restoration project in three phases. The project resulted in improved stream channel conditions, cooler water temperatures and improved angling opportunities. Ash Creek and its associated floodplain were degraded due to channel incision and flood flows rarely accessing the floodplain. The degradation caused the wet meadow vegetation to be replaced with upland grassland and sagebrush-type habitats. A proven restoration technique known as "pond and plug" was used to restore the natural form and function of the stream channels and floodplain. Approximately 80 "ponds" were excavated, creating 150 acres of additional wetlands. The excavated material was then be used to "plug" the incised channels.

In addition to the wetland restoration project, a new pipeline has been installed on the north side west of Elkins Lane and a new well has been completed to provide additional water for early fall floodup.

Contact

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the Wildlife Area at (530) 294-5824.

no drones icon

Notice: You may not operate a drone on any CDFW-managed land without a Special Use Permit (PDF).

Wildlife Branch - Lands Program
Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090

Getting There

CDFW Lands Viewer
Printable Map (PDF)

Northern Region (Region 1)

Lassen and Modoc Counties

Highway 299, 4 miles northeast of Bieber
(Approximately 105 miles from Redding)

Directions: The Wildlife Area office is at 659-695 Lassen State Highway (Highway 299), east of Bieber. From Highway 299 at the town of Bieber, take Bieber Lookout Road north; from Highway 299 at the town of Adin, take Lookout Road west.

Wildlife Area Contact: (530) 294-5824

Northern Region Redding Office: (530) 225-2300

Visiting Ash Creek Wildlife Area

Ash Creek is one of the most remote, least improved, and most pristine of all of CDFW's Wildlife Areas. Located in the heart of Big Valley, these approximately 14,400 acres preserve freshwater wetlands created by the seasonal flow of six streams, including Ash Creek. In addition to 3,000 acres of natural wetlands, other natural communities include vernal pools and upland sagebrush. Among the mammals seen here are pronghorn antelope, beaver, and bobcat. Bird species include numerous waterfowl species, sandhill cranes, falcons, sage grouse, short-eared owls, and bald eagles.

Entry Passes

A CDFW Lands Pass must be in possession of anyone 16 years of age or older while visiting Ash Creek Wildlife Area.

Visitors who are in possession of a valid California hunting or fishing license in their name are not required to purchase a Lands Pass, but this is true only for the license holder. Visitors age 16 or older accompanying the license holder must either show a valid California hunting or fishing license of their own, or a valid Lands Pass while visiting Ash Creek Wildlife Area.

Lands Passes may be purchased online, by phone at (800) 565-1458, or in-person at locations wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. A Lands Pass cannot be substituted for a Hunting Pass, which is required for adult hunters on Type-A and Type-B wildlife areas.

Organized youth or school groups are exempt from the Lands Pass requirement, but should contact the Wildlife Area at (530) 294-5824 to schedule a field trip at least two weeks in advance.

Facilities

The primary staffed location on the property is the Wildlife Area office at 659-695 Lassen State Highway (Highway 299).

Facility improvements on this land include parking lots, access roads, hiking trails, restrooms and an informational kiosk. Popular visitor activities include fishing, hunting, camping, wildlife viewing, hiking, and birdwatching.

Notice: Elkins Lane is subject to closure when the road becomes flooded.

Accessibility

There are no accessibility improvements on this property.

Connectivity

There is no reliable cellular phone service available on this property. There is no public Wi-Fi service available.

Maps and Guides

Learning and Getting Involved

Learn more about Ash Creek Wildlife Area and its history, wildlife and habitat.

History

Big Valley is a farming region with major emphasis on the production of alfalfa, native meadow hay, cereal grains, and livestock. Cereal grains were raised in greater acreages in the past. Agricultural use began by 1900, and since then the land has been managed similarly to other lands in Big Valley. These practices were mostly compatible with wildlife.

In the 1980s, livestock grazing was dramatically increased on the former ranch and plans were developed to drain and farm the tule marsh. These planned activities would have been extremely detrimental to the wetlands and associated wildlife. To preserve habitat for native species, the land was purchased by CDFW and designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1986.

Learning About the Land

In 2014, The Ash Creek Wildlife Area underwent a major 3,485-acre wetland restoration project in three phases. The project resulted in improved stream channel conditions, cooler water temperatures and improved angling opportunities. Ash Creek and its associated floodplain were degraded due to channel incision and flood flows rarely accessing the floodplain. The degradation caused the wet meadow vegetation to be replaced with upland grassland and sagebrush-type habitats. A proven restoration technique known as "pond and plug" was used to restore the natural form and function of the stream channels and floodplain. Approximately 80 "ponds" were excavated, creating 150 acres of additional wetlands. The excavated material was then be used to "plug" the incised channels.

In addition to the wetland restoration project, a new pipeline has been installed on the north side west of Elkins Lane and a new well has been completed to provide additional water for early fall floodup.

Hunting, Fishing and Visitor Use

Notice: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of CDFW-managed lands.

Refer to the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

Hunting

Notice: Due to changing water conditions, please contact the Wildlife Area at (530) 294-5824 for current conditions.

Hunting Pass Type B: Ash Creek Wildlife Area requires adult hunters to purchase a Type A or B season hunting pass in advance for waterfowl and pheasant hunting for all authorized shoot days of the season. Reservations are required for the opening weekend of waterfowl season for Type B wildlife areas and may be required for the opening of pheasant season.

The following game may be seasonally pursued at Ash Creek Wildlife Area:

See below for more information on species-specific hunting opportunities.

Hunting Rules and Requirements:

Notice: Pronghorn antelope may be taken during junior hunts only.

  • During the waterfowl and pheasant hunt seasons, the wildlife area is closed to all public use with the exception of Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays for hunting only.
  • Adult waterfowl hunters must purchase a Type A or B season hunting pass in advance for all waterfowl hunting. Reservations are required for the opening weekend of waterfowl season.
  • Adult pheasant hunters must purchase a Type A or B season hunting pass in advance for all pheasant hunting. Reservations may be required for the opening of pheasant season. Contact the Wildlife Area at (530) 294-5824 for up-to-date information.

In addition to the above, hunters are responsible for knowing and complying with all Bird Hunting and Land Use Regulations, Mammal Hunting Regulations, and all other rules and regulations in effect at Ash Creek Wildlife Area.

The 285 acres of wetlands that were re-leveled and re-contoured in 2014 have produced excellent stands of swamp timothy, smartweed and Tule patches, which provide good cover for waterfowl hunters. These projects have increased the total managed wetland acreage by 30%, improved water conservation and provided additional hunting opportunities. The deep water ponds that were excavated during the restoration project vary in size from less than one acre to several acres. Early in the waterfowl season these ponds are dependent on ground water and surface flows to fill. When completely full, they average in depth from 4 to 7 feet and the side slopes entering the ponds may be steep in some areas. When hunting in these areas, the use of a retrieving dog is highly recommended.

Fishing

A valid CDFW fishing license is required. Check fishing regulations for current licensing fees. Licenses are not available at Ash Creek Wildlife Area and must be purchased before arrival.

Rules and Visitor Use

Be aware of the following rules while visiting Gray Lodge Wildlife Area:

  • No horses allowed
  • Dogs must be under owner's control at all times
  • No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
  • Camping allowed

In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at Ash Creek Wildlife Area.

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the Wildlife Area at (530) 294-5824.