Spring-fed Rivers, Cold Waters and Trout

Andy Fell — June 09, 2025 - 1:55pm

In an age of climate whiplash, cold streams and creeks fed by aquifers in volcanic rock could be a refuge for the survival of native species, especially salmon and trout which breed in cold mountain streams.

One source of cold stream water is of course snowmelt, but that can vary greatly from year to year. Another, more stable source comes from springs drawing on water stored in porous volcanic rocks. These volcanic aquifers can feed cold water into creeks and streams year-round, potentially supporting rainbow trout, steelhead, Coho and Chinook salmon.

Nearly Half of California’s Native Salmon, Steelhead and Trout on Track to Be Extinct Within 50 Years

Katherine E Kerlin — May 16, 2017 - 6:24am

If present trends continue, 74 percent of California’s native salmon, steelhead, and trout species are likely to be extinct in 100 years, and 45 percent could be extinct in 50 years. That is according to a report, State of the Salmonids II: Fish in Hot Water, from the 91��Ƭ Davis Center for Watershed Sciences and nonprofit California Trout.

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Spring-fed Rivers, Cold Waters and Trout

Nearly Half of California’s Native Salmon, Steelhead and Trout on Track to Be Extinct Within 50 Years