Dales Lake Ecological Reserve: hunting rules and map
Dales Lake Ecological Reserve is 377 acres of CDFW land in Tehama County, in CDFW's Northern Region, one of the ecological reserves where Title 14, Section 630(d) makes hunting a designated public use. CDFW's rule for it: Waterfowl only. It lies in deer Zone C4, where CDFW estimates 1,129 deer were taken in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Rules: CDFW's 2026-2027 land use regulations (updated July 1, 2026). Boundary and acres: CDFW. Zones: CDFW. Land around it: CPAD 2026a.
BLMCDFW landDales Lake ERDeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 377 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 1, Northern Region |
| County | Tehama |
| Hunting | Waterfowl only. |
| Deer zone | Zone C4 |
| Elk zone | Northeastern |
| Nearest towns | Dales (next to it), Paynes Creek (7 mi) and Lake California (8 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for Dales Lake Ecological Reserve?
Section 630(d): Waterfowl only.
CDFW lists no rules for Dales Lake Ecological Reserve beyond those for every ecological reserve (Sections 550 and 630).
Source: CDFW 2026-2027 Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations, Title 14, Section 630. CDFW's page for Dales Lake Ecological Reserve has maps and contacts. Deer, elk and pronghorn hunting also follow the zone's own season and tag.
What does CDFW say about Dales Lake Ecological Reserve?
Geologically recent lava flows combined with older alluvial deposits give rise to extensive, gently sloping terraces comprising the Dales Plains. This terrain supports abundant vernal pools. The 367 acres of Dales Lake property is largely open grasslands on the southern end. On the northern end is blue oak – foothill pine woodland.
The vernal pools of this area support a unique flora and fauna, including dozens of plant species that do not occur in any other type of habitat, as well as tadpole and fairy shrimp that are only found in vernal pools. Migrating waterfowl stop here to feast on the seasonal invertebrates. Deer and other grassland grazers can also be spotted.
CDFW lists upland game birds and waterfowl hunting for the area, and also wildlife viewing.
From CDFW's page for Dales Lake Ecological Reserve, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is Dales Lake Ecological Reserve in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the reserve alone.
| Zone | Acres of Dales Lake ER in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone C4 | 377 | 1,129 deer taken in 2025, 30.1% hunter success; 2026 general season September 19 to October 4 |
| Northeastern elk zone | 377 | 26 elk taken in 2022 |
CDFW deer hunts whose ground includes part of Dales Lake ER: hunt G-1 (Late Season Buck Hunt for Zone C-4), hunt J-21 (East Tehama Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt) and hunt A-1 (C Zones Archery Only Hunt).
Harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025); CDFW Elk Hunt Statistics. Acres measured by FilledTag from CDFW's boundaries.
What public land is around Dales Lake Ecological Reserve?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 4,494 acres of BLM land and 382 acres of CDFW land.
How do you get to Dales Lake Ecological Reserve?
CDFW's directions: From Red Bluff, travel east on Highway 36 for approximately 11 miles; at Dales Station, turn left on Manton Road; the Reserve is located 1/2 mile past Dales Station on the west side of the road.
CDFW's location note: 11 miles northeast of Red Bluff. Highways within 8 miles: CA 36. Nearest towns: Dales (next to it), Paynes Creek (7 miles), Lake California (8 miles) and Bend (9 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Dales Lake Ecological Reserve?
Yes, within CDFW's limits in Section 630(d): Waterfowl only. Hunting is prohibited on any ecological reserve that section does not list.
Can you camp on Dales Lake Ecological Reserve?
No. Camping is prohibited on all CDFW ecological reserves (Section 550(p)(4)).
Which deer zone is Dales Lake Ecological Reserve in?
All of it is in deer Zone C4, by CDFW's boundaries. CDFW estimates 1,129 deer were taken in Zone C4 in 2025, across the whole zone.
What is the closest town to Dales Lake Ecological Reserve?
Dales (next to it), Paynes Creek (7 miles) and Lake California (8 miles), by the Census Bureau's places.
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Where these facts come from
- Rules: CDFW 2026-2027 Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations.
- Boundary and acres: CDFW public access lands (BIOS ds3077); CDFW, Dales Lake Ecological Reserve.
- Zones: CDFW BIOS zone layers. Surrounding public land: California Protected Areas Database (CPAD) 2026a.
- Deer harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025).
FilledTag is not part of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.