Step 1 – Check your regional web page at the beginning of the school year for important details on how CAEP works in your area, application deadlines, training workshop dates, and more.
Step 2 – If you are a new teacher, or in need of a recertification, participate a teacher training hosted by your regional coordinator before applying for eggs.
Step 3 - Apply for eggs by your region’s deadline, using the online application.
Step 4 – Once your application has been accepted, start planning a field trip to release fish at your approved release site.
- Fish must be released 8 weeks after delivery, so plan for a field trip around that time or earlier.
- Many cities and lakes may require additional forms for schools planning to bring students beyond what CDFW can provide, so check early to see what you may need!
Step 5 – Set up your aquarium a minimum of two weeks before receiving your eggs. This gives your fish the best chance at survival.
Step 6 – Receive eggs and paper copy of the Authorization Form (CDFW form 772) from your CAEP coordinator. Raise the fish in your classroom for up to 8 weeks.
Step 7 - Release your fish into your approved waterbody, as listed on your Authorization Form.
Step 8 – Complete your online release summary within 14 days of releasing your fish (or within 14 days of the last fish dying)
If this is your first time participating in CAEP, teachers must sign up for a teacher training to learn more about the program before applying.
For more information on CAEP, read though the program guidelines page and program manual.
For background on salmonids and other classroom resources, visit our resources page.
All CAEP teachers raise salmonids, which may include rainbow trout, Steelhead Trout, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, or Chinook Salmon. The exact species available to you will depend on your location – check your regional webpage for more details.
Most programs run in the fall or spring. Your coordinator should have an expected timeline, however, the exact date of egg delivery may vary as it depends on fish availability from our hatcheries. Check with your regional coordinator to determine tentative delivery dates.
Once your eggs have been delivered, you will have 8 weeks to release your fish, unless you have an extension from your CAEP Coordinator. Most teachers release their fish 5-6 weeks after delivery.
Specific waterbodies are approved for CAEP releases by CDFW scientists. Approvals are reviewed annually, and the list of approved sites is subject to change based on environmental conditions. The most current list of approved waterbodies in your region can be found in the online application.
Upon receiving eggs, teachers will receive an authorization form with an assigned, approved waterbody for release. Fry must be released into the waterbody that is listed on your authorization form. See program guidelines page for more details.
If you are a returning teacher that has participated within the last 3 years, and you have not been notified by your coordinator of a decertification, you may apply without participating in a teacher training.
You must participate in a teacher training before applying for eggs if:
- You are new to CAEP
- You have participated in the past, but it has been more than 3 years since you last raised fish in your classroom.
- You have been notified by your coordinator that you have been decertified for any reason.
Visit the Teacher Resources page to find CDFW webinars and standards-aligned video playlists designed for CAEP classrooms. Topics include fish biology, fish adaptations, watershed health, how to become an angler, cultural uses of fish, fisheries conservation, and more!
After submitting an online application, you will receive an initial confirmation email verifying that your application has been received. After each application deadline, Regional CDFW CAEP coordinators review all submissions and teacher eligibilities before issuing Authorization Forms (CDFW 772). Once you’ve been accepted into the program, you will be notified by either your regional CAEP coordinator or community partner (sponsor).
If you have any questions about your application status, reach out to your regional coordinator, or your community partner (sponsor, coach) if you have one.