The Franks Tract State Recreation Area floats in the heart of California’s Delta. It is a 3,523-acre aquatic playground southeast of Brannan Island. It is accessible only by water. This area offers an unparalleled mix of fishing, boating, wildlife, and Delta-style camping.
What Makes Franks Tract State Recreation Area Unique
Franks Tract is a flooded former farmland turned Delta wetland, shaped by levee breaches in 1936 and 1938. Today it’s a maze of shallow waterways and exposed levee ridges. It’s a top fly-fishing destination, especially for striped bass, and a haven for migratory waterfowl along the Pacific Flyway. The mix of open water, wind-swept marshes, and Delta skies gives Franks Tract a wild, free-form recreation style.
Top Activities & Amenities
Boat Launch & Water Sports
Access is by boat only—launch from nearby marinas like Bethel Island or Brannan Island. Anglers fish for striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, sturgeon, and bluegill. Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and water skiing are all popular in the broad sloughs. Be sure to use life jackets and monitor wind forecasts—Delta winds can whip up quickly.
Fishing & Hunting
Franks Tract is best known for its abundant striped and largemouth bass—fly fishing is especially popular. Waterfowl hunting is allowed seasonally in designated zones, with permits and regulations managed through the Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing & Bird Watching
Fall through winter draws thousands of ducks, geese, herons, terns, swallows, cormorants, and more. Year-round sightings include gulls, kingfishers, and great blue herons. The habitat diversity also supports marsh mammals and seasonal shorebirds.
Camping & Group Areas
Camping is boat-in style: anchor your boat to levee ridges or floating docks and camp along water’s edge. Some boat-in slips accommodate vessels up to 35′. Camping includes tent and RV setups directly from boats—primitive and serene beneath open Delta skies.
Picnic, Restrooms & Showers
There are no built-in picnic benches or playgrounds on Franks Tract itself. However, nearby ramps at Brannan Island and Bethel Island offer restrooms and sometimes picnic areas. Water and pump-out services are marina-supplied.
Hiking, Biking & Trails
No formal hiking or biking trails exist on the flooded tract. However, exploring the exposed levees on foot provides a Delta perspective. Adjacent Brannan Island SRA offers paved and dirt trails for walking and biking.
Interpretive Programs & Nature Education
While Franks Tract has no on-site visitor center, Brannan Island SRA offers seasonal interpretive programs. These include Delta ecology talks, guided bird walks, and fisheries education.
Boating Infrastructure & Group Facilities
Nearby marinas offer boat ramps, wet slips, mooring, and fuel. Some host group camping areas and shared facilities like BBQ grills, picnic tables, and playgrounds—ideal for day groups or overnight Delta explorers.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Access & Fees: Open year-round; no entry fee. Marina ramps may charge day-use or parking fees at launch sites.
- Boating Permits: All boats must be registered. Clean watercraft thoroughly to prevent invasive species.
- Camping: Boat-in only—bring everything you need (water, food, gear). No restrooms or potable water on-site.
- Safety & Weather: Wind and waves can rise quickly; monitor weather and tides. Life vests mandatory.
- Fishing & Hunting Regulations: Valid California fishing license required. Waterfowl hunting zones and seasons apply—check DFW rules.
- Wildlife & Habitat: Stay in navigable channels; avoid floating vegetation mats to protect habitat. Watch for birds and wildlife.
- Pets: Allowed if on a vessel; must be well-controlled and not swim ashore to protect wildlife.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out trash; no fires or alcohol on levee camping areas.
Local Insight & Hidden Gem
Plan a midweek spring visit for epic fly-fishing in calm, clear waters. Striped bass push up from the river to feast in shallow sloughs. Paddle quietly along the levee remnants at dawn to photograph thousands of geese and ducks against sunrise skies. For a true Delta sleepover, anchor near a levee island, hit the levee ridges for starlit skies, and wake to fog drifting over the water. Then cruise to nearby Bethel Island for hot coffee and Delta-style dynamite-flycasting tales from local anglers.