Originally Posted by
ALandsford
Many of the waters that eventually or theoretically drain (record rain, dams overflowing) into the ocean that were once stocked with Rainbow trout were stopped because of fear of breeding with Southern California Steelhead populations which while very very small do exist in several streams/rivers in So Cal. Add in the fear of what trout do to endangered toads and frogs...we have the mess we have now. Few waters being stocked with even sterile trout (even though they cannot breed the steelhead fans try and make a case for increased chance of disease as well as competing for food.) The steelhead forces have the political forces behind them even though millions lose out of catching stocked rainbow trout which makes the steelhead folks think you are the lowest form of a living being.
Growing up I fished the Santa Ynez River, Ventura River, Sespe Creeks (upper and lower) Santa Paula Creek, Piru Creek, Big Tujunga Creek, San Antonio Creek, San Gabriel River, Big Rock Creek, Little Rock Creek..the list is long when adding in San Bernardino and San Diego County streams All but a few still hold trout in any number except with hiking upstream