In January and February of 2026, adult steelhead were detected migrating up the Guadalupe River, thanks to Valley Water’s automated fish counter and underwater camera. This is an exciting sign for a species federally listed as threatened in South Bay waterways.
Each winter, Central California Coast steelhead leave the Pacific Ocean and return to the creeks and rivers where they were born to spawn. After spending years in the ocean, these native fish navigate miles upstream. Their journey depends on adequate flows, cool water temperatures and accessible habitat.
This year, Valley Water biologists documented multiple adult steelhead returning to the Guadalupe Watershed. Several wet winters, managed stream flow specifically for steelhead, and restoration projects are helping provide better access to spawning grounds higher in the watershed. The recent camera footage shows that these efforts are making a difference…