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Recreational access to Woodward Reservoir will be suspended starting October 16, 2026.
South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) has actively engaged with Stanislaus County since 2025 to negotiate SSJID’s acquisition or use of County-owned property needed to continue recreation at Woodward Reservoir. At this time, SSJID and the County have not yet reached an agreement that would allow SSJID to continue recreation after the County’s cessation of operations on October 15, 2026.
As a result, recreational activity at Woodward Reservoir will be suspended on October 16, 2026. SSJID is committed to reopening recreation at Woodward, but we are unable to provide a timeline for reopening at this time, pending ongoing negotiations. We understand that Woodward Reservoir is an important place for recreation and community activities, and we recognize that this closure may be disappointing for visitors, families, and the surrounding community. SSJID is committed to pursuing its available options in moving forward to reopen recreation as soon as possible.
What You Need to Know
- Recreational access to Woodward Reservoir will be suspended as of October 16, 2026.
- A closure is necessary while SSJID works to acquire the necessary property from, or agreements with, Stanislaus County, allowing SSJID to resume recreation at Woodward Reservoir.
- There is currently no timeline for when recreation may resume.
- No camping, boating, hunting, fishing, or day use will be permitted during this closure.
- All permit holders, including annual pass holders, will no longer have access to the reservoir.
SSJID will make every effort to resume recreational access as soon as practical and will provide updates as more information becomes available. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as this process moves forward.
Questions?
Please contact Katie Patterson, Public and Government Relations Manager,
(209) 249-4600. or [email protected].
Notice on Duck Hunting Season
We regret to inform our community that the 2026–2027 duck hunting season at Woodward Reservoir has been canceled due to ongoing negotiations between SSJID and Stanislaus County regarding Woodward Reservoir.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as these negotiations continue, and we will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Background
Originally completed in 1916, Woodward Reservoir has served SSJID and the surrounding region for more than a century. Built as part of SSJID’s early water delivery system, the reservoir helps store and manage water from the Stanislaus River for use throughout Southern San Joaquin County. Today, Woodward Reservoir remains an important local resource with a storage capacity of approximately 33,000 acre-feet. It supports reliable water supplies for 50,000 acres of agriculture and helps meet the drinking water needs of 215,000 residents in the cities of Manteca, Lathrop, and Tracy.
Woodward Reservoir is also a regional recreation destination. The reservoir attracts visitors year-round for boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. Its open water, shoreline access, and amenities make it a community recreation site that SSJID is committed to preserving.
Historically, SSJID permitted Stanislaus County to manage and operate recreational services at Woodward through a license agreement. Recreation facilities at Woodward are located partially on SSJID-owned property and partially on property owned by the County.
On October 14, 2025, South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) Board of Directors approved the termination of the license agreement with the County, and notified the County, as required by the agreement terms, that the termination would be effective October 15, 2026.
This action followed SSJID’s examination of the license agreement, a review of recreation and management operations, and analysis of available financial and management information, as well as recognition that SSJID must protect the reservoir from the invasive Golden Mussel, and other water quality impacts.
“SSJID has thoroughly reviewed the operations at Woodward Reservoir and determined that our District is best positioned to guide its future,” said SSJID General Manager Peter Rietkerk. “This step allows us to provide stronger oversight, protect water quality, and enhance recreational experiences for the community. We are committed to ensuring the transition delivers clear benefits for our ratepayers and reservoir users.”
SSJID Plans
Contact Us
For additional information or assistance, please contact us at (209) 249-4600.