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 Bay Area Classroom Aquarium Education Program (CAEP) and is run by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
CAEP Teacher Training Dates
Register for the October 3, 2026, Saturday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Online Training
Register for the October 17, 2026 Saturday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Online Training
Register for the October 22, 2026, Thursday, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Online Training
Register for the October 27, 2026, Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Online Training
See details regarding recertification requirements on the CAEP: Forms and Guidelines page.
Notice: December 15: Annual Deadline to Apply for Eggs
The link to apply for eggs (772 request form) will be available here at the beginning of the school year.
To rear eggs in Spring 2027
Questions? Please contact David Berman at
David.Berman@scwa.ca.gov or call 707-521-6201.
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 9th or April 6th | 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)