| Area | Lower Garcia / Estuary |
| Topic | Fish: 1995 Estuary Juvenile Steelhead Length June-August |
This photo shows three species caught in a seine net at Station #3 (the Piling Hole), with a two year old steelhead, surf smelt and a shiner surf perch. Note that the steelhead is very silver, which indicates that it is smolting and ready for ocean entry. The Marine species were more prevalent as freshwater flows dropped and salt water intruded. Marine fishes often spawn in estuaries because predation is less than in the ocean. Photo by Patrick Higgins.
This juvenile steelhead is less than 100 mm and likely less than one year old. Many Garcia River estuary steelhead were in this size class, indicating good growth for young of the year. Photo by Patrick Higgins.
This juvenile steelhead was just greater than 100 mm (4 inches) in length, indicating that it was likely at least one year old. Note that this specimen still has parr marks and stream coloration which may indicate that it is not yet ready to enter the ocean. Photo by Patrick Higgins.
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