Alameda Creek Seeing An Uptick In Returning Steelhead Trout

CBS Bay Area

FREMONT, CA — For years their path has been blocked by dam and flood infrastructure. Now, after years of work and opening a pathway, steelhead trout are back.

Over the last 25 years, the Alameda Creek Fisheries Restoration Workgroup, a coalition of public agencies and nonprofits, have worked to eliminate migration barriers and provide access for the fish to the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

And for the last 15 years, biologist with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Randy Renn, has been a part of that coalition and effort.

"It's been a lot of work for sure, but rewarding work," said Renn, regarding the years of work.

"This is our high flow fish trap, as you can see it's facing downstream to catch the upstream moving fishes."

Between 2015 and 2023, Renn and his team of biologist monitored, captured, and released about 300 fish. This year alone they've had their biggest rebound, tagging nearly about 2,600 steelhead.

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