In the winter, rice fields in the Sacramento region are flooded with water. It’s a common method to prepare the field for new growth. With the help of a program led by California Trout, some farmers have opted to start flushing that water into the Sacramento River as a way to aid winter-run Chinook salmon.  Researchers have found that this water is rich with zooplankton (sometimes referred to as “bugs”), which is a main source of food for young salmon. As the species’ population struggles in the face of impacts from human development and shrinking habitats, researchers say access to this water source could help them thrive.  

Other fishery news:

• The Rampage (Fresno City College, Calif.): Kings River fisheries management program