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Bay Delta Classroom Aquarium Education Program: Releasing Fish

(also referred to locally as Trout in the Classroom and Steelhead in the Classroom)

You must have prior permission from CDFW to hatch and release trout.
A valid 772 permit must remain with the eggs/fry at all times. The application 
Contact R3CAEP@wildlife.ca.gov or (415) 999-5924 if you have any questions.

A fully completed Form 772 (PDF Form). must be returned to CDFW (or your sponsor, at their request) within 10 days of release of your fish. In the unlikely event all your fish die, the form also needs to be returned. A list of applications received and permits returned is posted on the link opens in new windowCAEP blog. We suggest you keep a copy of the permit when you submit it to CDFW.

All fry must be released no later than 8 weeks from the date of delivery. We recommend you release fry 4-5 weeks after they hatch.  Fish may only be released into the body of water specified on your Form 772 Permit.




Fish Release Sites

Rainbow Trout

With appropriate authorization

Alameda County

  • Lake Elizabeth
  • Lake Temescal
  • Lakeshore Park
  • Quarry Lakes
  • Shadow Cliffs Reservoir

Contra Costa County

  • Contra Loma Reservoir
  • Lafayette Reservoir
  • Heather Farms Pond
  • Hidden Valley Lakes
  • Lake Refugio
  • San Pablo Reservoir

Lake County

  • Putah Creek above Lake Berryessa
  • Indian Valley Reservoir
  • Pillsbury Lake
  • Upper Blue Lake

Marin County

  • Bon Tempe Reservoir
  • Scottsdale Pond

Mendocino County

  • ​​Lake Mendocino, north end only

Napa County

  • Lake Hennessey

San Francisco County

  • Lake Merced (all)

San Mateo County

  • Waterdog Lake

Sonoma County

  • Lake Ralphine

Solano County

  • Lake Chabot

Santa Clara County

  • Sandy Wool Lake
  • Spring Valley Pond

Santa Cruz County

  • Loch Lomond

Steelhead Trout

With appropriate authorization, steelhead trout fry obtained from Warm Springs Hatchery may be released into the Russian River or the approved tributaries listed below:

New procedures may be in place for egg delivery related to the Corona Virus pandemic.

Egg Pick Up Dates

2023 Egg Availability Dates from Warm Springs Hatchery (Teachers in the Russian River Watershed only)

We anticipate steelhead eggs being available on the following dates:

  • February 22, 2023 (final date fry must be released – April 19, 2023)
  • April 5, 2023 (final date fry must be released – May 31, 2023)

Egg availability is dependent upon rainfall and hatchery egg quotas being met. It is possible eggs may not be available on all dates.

TEACHERS IN THE UKIAH AREA who wish to pick up eggs from the Coyote Fish Facility may do so by marking "Picking up at Coyote" at the top of your application.

Sonoma County

NOTE TO TEACHERS: You may use the following language on your 772 application: "Fish will be released into the Russian River or tributary as listed on the CDFW webpage"

Mendocino County

  • Dooley Creek
  • Feliz Creek
  • Gibson Creek
  • Orr Creek
NOTE TO TEACHERS: You may use the following language on your 772 application: "Fish will be released into the Russian River or tributary as listed on the CDFW webpage"
Last update : 12/27/2022 10:20:10 AM

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