Southern California

Why this region

Southern California may be known for its cities and coastlines, but its rivers still support the last remaining population of Southern Steelhead — the region’s only native anadromous salmonid.

From Ventura to San Diego, these fish persist in a handful of watersheds despite decades of urbanization, dams, flood-control infrastructure, and altered streamflows that have dramatically reduced their habitat.

Yet Southern California also offers some of the state’s greatest opportunities for recovery. Major fish passage projects are in development to reconnect rivers that have been blocked for generations, including the Ventura River, Malibu Creek, Trabuco Creek, and the Santa Margarita River. Together, these efforts will reopen dozens of miles of critical habitat, giving Southern steelhead a chance to return to historic spawning grounds for the first time in decades. By restoring rivers to function more naturally, these projects also reduce flood risk, modernize aging infrastructure, improve water quality, strengthen coastal ecosystems, and create healthier, more resilient communities for the people who depend on them. Supported by the Southern Steelhead Coalition and more than 45 partners, CalTrout’s regional team is working across watersheds to remove barriers, restore river processes, and build a future where both people and native fish can thrive.