Bay Delta Classroom Aquarium Education Program: Releasing Fish

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

Overview

You must have prior permission from CDFW to hatch and release trout. A valid 772 Authorization Form must remain with the eggs/fry at all times.

  1. Application to receive eggs and hatch fish (Form 772)
  2. 772 Fry Release Form - must be submitted within 14 days of releasing the fish (or after the last fish dies)

A list of applications received, and permits returned is posted on the Online Application and Permit List.

Rainbow Trout Release Sites

With appropriate authorization

Alameda County

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

Contra Costa County

  • Contra Loma Reservoir
  • Lafayette Reservoir
  • 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 Release Sites

Due to the presence of New Zealand Mud Snails, with appropriate authorization, steelhead trout fry obtained from Warm Springs Hatchery may currently only be released into the main stem of the Russian River or Dry Creek. CDFW is working with Aquatic Invasive Species Specialists to publish a list of updated Release Sites that have been confirmed as contaminated with NZMS.

Release Site Updates 2024

In recent years, the presence of invasive New Zealand Mud Snails (NZMs) in hatchery waters reduced the number of release sites available for the CAEP program. Steelhead trout release sites were restricted to only waterbodies that were already positive for NZMs. 

This year, with more extensive surveying of CAEP waterbodies, CDFW scientists have determined that NZMS are present in more release sites than previously confirmed. This offers CAEP the opportunity to re-open a few more of our former release sites. Check back in soon for an updated release site list. 

Egg Pick Up Dates

  • Egg delivery dates have been tentatively set for 2024/25. Check back in soon to see when you can expect your eggs.
  • 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.

Contact

If you have any questions, contact R3caep@wildlife.ca.gov.

Connect with R3 Trout in the Classroom

Sport Fish Restoration

Bay Delta Region (Region 3)
Regional Manager: Erin Chappell
Main Office: 2825 Cordelia Road, Suite 100, Fairfield, CA 94534 | (707) 428-2002
Stockton Office: 2109 Arch Airport Rd, Stockton, CA 95206 | (209) 234-3420
Email the Bay Delta Region | Program Contacts