The small storm that blew through last weekend did not drop a lot of rain, but it was enough to get steelhead trout moving upriver again. Local anglers took advantage of the favorable conditions, as did volunteers for the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project. The MBSTP was established in 1976 with the vision of restoring and enhancing salmon and steelhead habitat and populations within the greater Monterey Bay area. The project maintains a hatchery and rearing facility, producing thousands of juvenile steelhead, silver and king salmon that are returned to the wild each year. With the recent rainfall, the decision was made to initiate this year's fish trapping program, to collect wild steelhead trout, both males and females that are transported to the hatchery for propagation. The fish trap is located at the Felton Diversion Station, just south of downtown Felton. Operated by the Santa Cruz Water Department, the Diversion Station employs an inflatable dam and collects water for storage at Loch Lomond. Alongside the dam is a fish ladder for migrating steelhead, and at the top of the ladder is the removable trap. A group of volunteers will spend the next few months monitoring the trap when the river flows are sufficient. Working in shifts, crew members watch the trap overnight, collecting fish for the hatchery as well as DNA samples from those fish that are released. With cutbacks in the state budget, the MBSTP is experiencing a shortfall of funding from the Department of Fish and Game. Volunteers are always welcome at the project, and avenues of support can be fun as well. The Project sponsors a yearly Albacore Feed in fall, and most years, the premier "Big Fish Derby" in summer. Memberships are available ranging from an inexpensive "youth" association up to business and corporate sponsorship. Connect with www.mbstp.org for contact details and full information about the Salmon and Trout Project. Coming soon will be the springtime Perch Derby. The 7th Annual Sandcrab Classic is becoming one of the largest fishing derbies in Northern California, hosting upwards of 300 anglers, vying for the coveted surfperch trophy. All proceeds from this derby go to the MBSTP. The contest includes a tri-tip dinner, custom t-shirt and tons of fishing gear and prizes for winners and via raffle. Coordinated by Captain Mike Baxter and me, co-hosts of The Let's Go Fishing Radio Show, this year's derby is scheduled for March 12. Further info and entry forms can be found at www.theletsgofishingradioshow.com. Bushnell can also be heard Friday mornings at 6:45 on KSCO radio 1080 AM. Send your photos, comments or questions to scruzfishing@yahoo.com.

Caption:
1) Matt Hansman and Mike Baxter prepare a wild steelhead for transfer to the hatchery.
2) Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project volunteer Jim Tolonen hoists another beautiful fish from the Felton trap.