Fish Slough Ecological Reserve: hunting rules and map
Fish Slough Ecological Reserve is 184 acres of CDFW land in Inyo and Mono counties, in CDFW's Inland Deserts Region, one of the ecological reserves where Title 14, Section 630(d) makes hunting a designated public use. CDFW's rule for it: Allowed. It lies in deer Zone X9a, where CDFW estimates 160 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 landFish Slough ERDeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 184 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 6, Inland Deserts Region |
| Counties | Inyo and Mono |
| Hunting | Allowed. |
| Deer zone | Zone X9a |
| Nearest towns | Chalfant (next to it), Dixon Lane-MeadowCreek (5 mi) and Bishop (6 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for Fish Slough Ecological Reserve?
Section 630(d): Allowed.
CDFW lists no rules for Fish Slough 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 Fish Slough 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 Fish Slough Ecological Reserve?
The Fish Slough Ecological Reserve is 188 acres. Fish Slough provides wetland and riparian habitats unique to the area, and also supports various endangered or rare fish, plant, and animal species. In the marsh itself, extensive areas are covered with bulrush, cattails, rushes, and saltgrass. The drier areas of the Reserve are dominated by the shadscale scrub community, including saltbrush and rabbitbrush. Birds include blackbirds, marsh wrens, ducks, and raptors. Rocky cliffs line both sides of the marsh, providing excellent perching and nesting sites. Rodents attract predators such as bobcats and coyotes.
CDFW lists upland game birds hunting for the area, and also wildlife viewing and hiking trails.
From CDFW's page for Fish Slough Ecological Reserve, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is Fish Slough Ecological Reserve in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the reserve alone.
| Zone | Acres of Fish Slough ER in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone X9a | 184 | 160 deer taken in 2025, 62.7% hunter success; 2026 general season September 19 to October 12 |
CDFW deer hunts whose ground includes part of Fish Slough ER: hunt A-16 (Zone X-9a Archery Hunt).
Harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025). Acres measured by FilledTag from CDFW's boundaries.
What public land is around Fish Slough Ecological Reserve?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 34,372 acres of BLM land and 190 acres of CDFW land.
How do you get to Fish Slough Ecological Reserve?
CDFW's directions: Hwy 6 north of Bishop. Exit Jean Blanc Road west. North on Fish Slough Road for 2.5 mi. Reserve is on the east side of Fish Slough Road.
Highways within 8 miles: US 395, US 6 and CA 168. Nearest towns: Chalfant (next to it), Dixon Lane-MeadowCreek (5 miles), Bishop (6 miles) and West Bishop (7 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Fish Slough Ecological Reserve?
Yes. Section 630(d) allows hunting on it. Hunting is prohibited on any ecological reserve that section does not list.
Can you camp on Fish Slough Ecological Reserve?
No. Camping is prohibited on all CDFW ecological reserves (Section 550(p)(4)).
Which deer zone is Fish Slough Ecological Reserve in?
All of it is in deer Zone X9a, by CDFW's boundaries. CDFW estimates 160 deer were taken in Zone X9a in 2025, across the whole zone.
What is the closest town to Fish Slough Ecological Reserve?
Chalfant (next to it), Dixon Lane-MeadowCreek (5 miles) and Bishop (6 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, Fish Slough 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.