Photo: Southern California steelhead, Oncorhynchus mykiss © Alex Vejar / CA Fish and Game

Gaviota, CA – In a groundbreaking update to an inspiring conservation effort, critically endangered Southern California steelhead trout rescued from Topanga Creek after the January 2025 Palisades Fire have successfully spawned in their new home at the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County’s Arroyo Hondo Preserve. “Life finds a way- the next generation of steelhead are here! Out of the ashes and into the conserved creek, these fish persevered and we are thrilled,” said Meredith Hendricks, Executive Director of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County.

Following the fire and the risk of post-fire mudslides, over 200 steelhead were rescued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM). These fish were transported to the Fillmore Hatchery for safekeeping before being relocated to the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County’s Arroyo Hondo Preserve in early February.

The relocation was made possible through a strong partnership between the Land Trust, CDFW, and RCDSMM, and was carried out by a dedicated team from CDFW, RCDSMM, NOAA, the Watershed Stewards Program, and the Land Trust. Additional support was provided by CA State Parks, Cachuma Operations and Maintenance Board, Southern CA Edison, and the California Conservation Corps. Trout were carefully released into designated areas of the creek, some requiring hiking through the stream channel to reach.

Arroyo Hondo Creek was selected due to its ecological similarity to Topanga Creek and its history of habitat restoration, including a fish passage improvement project completed in 2008. The area has also recovered significantly from the 2021 Alisal Fire and has been part of long-term fish monitoring efforts by CDFW.

Since the relocation, CDFW has been monitoring the health and behavior of the trout to determine if they would survive and reproduce in their new habitat. Following a report from the Land Trust’s Land Programs Director, Leslie Chan, indicating possible spawning activity, CDFW biologists surveyed Arroyo Hondo Creek and confirmed the presence of approximately 100 newly hatched Young of the Year (YOY) trout. “We almost couldn’t believe what we were seeing,” says Leslie Chan. “This is a big moment for everyone involved in the effort, including our dedicated staff, volunteers, and visitors who all play a role in caring for the preserve.”

“We are exceptionally excited to see these new fish and will continue working closely with the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County to monitor and support this growing population,” said Kyle Evans, Environmental Program Manager for CDFW in Southern California.

This successful spawning event marks a critical milestone in the effort to protect and restore Southern California steelhead. It demonstrates that relocated fish have adapted well to their new environment and offers hope for the recovery of this endangered population.

Arroyo Hondo Preserve is open to the public during limited hours to protect the trout and the diverse array of native species that call the canyon home. Visitors can support conservation efforts by staying on marked trails and following all preserve guidelines. As a reminder, these trout are critically endangered, and it is unlawful to capture, harm, or kill them.

Spawning Steelhead Trout at Arroyo Hondo Preserve

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About The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces throughout Santa Barbara County. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has protected 57,306 acres of land, ensuring the preservation of the county’s diverse landscapes for future generations. For more information about The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and its conservation efforts, visit www.sblandtrust.org, and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.