Steelhead in the Classroom
Available to schools that fall within the Russian River watershed and Sonoma Water's service area.
This program is officially called the Classroom Aquarium Education Program (CAEP) and is run by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
2025-2026 UPDATES: For New Teachers
Due to California Department of Fish and Wildlife staffing issues, there is not currently a teacher training workshop available for the 2025-2026 school year. We are working with CDFW to find a solution. Please be patient while we navigate these changes.
Questions? Please contact David Berman at
David.Berman@scwa.ca.gov or call 707-521-6201.
All returning teachers from the last 3 years:
Steelhead in the Classroom 772 form is live!
772 form 2026 -
https://wildlife.ca.gov/CAEP/Guidelines/Request-for-Eggs
Egg pick up will be either February or April dates TBD
You must have permission from CDFW to hatch and release Steelhead!
(Complete 772 Form on the CDFW website.)
See additional resources for the Steelhead in the Classroom program including curriculum materials and videos!
Visit the Don Clausen Fish Hatchery at Lake Sonoma to witness Steelhead returning to spawn!
(Opportunity to release Classroom steelhead at this location.)
| Egg Pick Up Dates | Steelhead Release Sites |
| February or April | All release sites are on the form. Atascadero Creek Russian River mainstem Dry Creek Dutch Bill Creek Santa Rosa Creek |
*Please note, if you plan to pick up your eggs from Sonoma Water's main office (404 Aviation Blvd. in Santa Rosa),
Pick up will be between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on designated pick-up days.
Co-sponsors include Redwood Empire Trout Unlimited (RETU), Russian River Fly Fisherman (RRFF),
Russian River Wild Steelhead Society (RRWSS), and Golden West Women Flyfishers (GGWF)