Steelhead

The federally listed threatened species, Oncorhynchus mykiss, photographed in Codornices Creek on March 16, 2000 by Gustavo Porras.

This is a photograph of the trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, in its fingerling stage. If the fingerling goes to the sea, it becomes a Steelhead Trout; if it remains in freshwater, it becomes a Rainbow Trout. This photograph was taken in Codornices Creek on March 16, 2000.

Members of Friends of Five Creeks, along with UC Berkeley biologist Tom Dudley (College of Natural Resources) briefly captured this fish (with proper legal permits), photographed it, and immediately released it, in order to officially confirm the presence of this species in Codornices Creek. The presence of Steelhead have been noted unofficially for several years; this photograph provides the official evidence that Codornices Creek is, in fact, a spawning and rearing habitat for Steelhead Trout, and that the fish currently exist in population levels high enough for spawning and rearing.

Steelhead Trout is federally listed as a threatened species, and the National Marine Fisheries Service is developing rules to protect Steelhead Trout "critical habitat" on the West Coast, including the Central California Coast. Alameda County falls within the designated "critical habitat" region.

With the official confirmation of Oncorhynchus mykiss here in Codornices Creek, we face a marvelous, but deep, responsibility. As one of the most open and natural creeks in the East Bay, Codornices Creek presents one of the best opportunities to encourage a flourishing Steelhead Trout population. We must strengthen our efforts to protect, fully restore, and manage the creek for the preservation of this rare and beautiful species.