Join us for a guided tour of Big Chico Creek, where science and conservation are transforming a former fish barrier into a thriving ecosystem.

At Iron Canyon in Bidwell Park, fish migration is currently blocked by a complete upstream barrier, preventing both steelhead and spring-run Chinook salmon from reaching critical upstream habitat.

CalTrout is restoring fish passage by removing components of a non-functioning fishway and reconfiguring a rock fall into a natural, free-flowing channel, allowing anadromous fish access to an additional 8.5 miles of cold-water refuge. The project will also provide benefits for Big Chico Creek’s non-salmonid native fish community, taking an entire ecosystem-based approach to restoration.

During the tour, you’ll walk along the creek and hear directly from CalTrout staff and project partners about the science, strategy, and persistence behind the work, including the latest updates on its progress. Lunch and morning snacks included.

Where: Bidwell Park’s Chico Rod and Gun Club (Parking Lot D); 1456 Upper Park Rd, Chico, CA 95973 (Google Maps Link)

Date and time: Thursday, May 14, 2026; 9:00am-12:00pm

Admission Price: Free

Sign up HERE!

If you sign up and realize you can’t attend, please reach out and let us know. Check out all of our upcoming field tours on our Field Tours 2026 webpage.

 Any additional questions? If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Riley Ahern at rahern@caltrout.org or 916-254-8274!

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