Our Napa River was once home to one of the most abundant populations of steelhead trout in California. Steelhead, like salmon, spend most of their lives in the ocean.

After three or four years in the sea, they return in the fall or winter to spawn in the exact stream in which they were hatched.

When the young hatch, the unique characteristics of the stream are “imprinted” on them so they can find their way back when it’s their turn to spawn.

Unlike salmon, however, steelhead do not die after spawning.

They go back to the ocean with the winter rains, then return again the next year to repeat the process.

As the Napa Valley’s agriculture and industry developed in the 1800s and early 1900s, the steelhead’s habitat began to suffer.

Dams and irrigation canals interrupted their spawning paths. Pollution and erosion also took a big toll, and by the mid-1970s the annual run had nearly disappeared altogether.

In 1977, a group of concerned fishermen and conservationists took up the cause to save our indigenous steelhead.

The organization Napa River Steelhead was formed.

Volunteers were recruited to clean up decades of litter that had accumulated along the river’s banks.

Efforts were spearheaded to address the pollution and erosion issues.

Dams built on natural spawning streams were removed. During the late summer months, young trout were rescued from drying-up creek pools and transplanted downstream.

The group also was instrumental in helping to push through a ban on all fishing in tributaries of the Napa River — although fishing in the main river was still permitted.

But this was just the beginning.

Through fundraisers, donations and memberships, along with assistance from the Department of Fish & Game’s local fine monies, Napa River Steelhead was able to construct a fish hatchery near the spillway at Conn Dam.

Fingerlings were obtained from a hatchery on the Humboldt River, and raised until they were big enough to be safely planted in the Napa River system.

During the 1980s, tens of thousands of steelhead trout were raised and planted.

Our annual run enjoyed a strong resurgence during these years.

The organization lost steam during the drought years of the early 1990s, then suffered from a lack of funding and available hatchery fish when the water had returned.

A few small trout plants have happened since, but the hatchery is now inactive and in need of repair.

As one of the founding members of Napa River Steelhead, George Carl kept the organization alive over the years.

Earlier this year, he contacted local fisherman Steve Orndorf about giving the group a new start.

Steve eagerly agreed to spearhead the new effort to preserve our steelhead run.

Many have already sent in donations to the cause, and the organization sincerely appreciates their generosity.

Contributions can be mailed to 2046 West F Street, Napa 94559.

(Donations to Napa River Steelhead may be tax-deductible — consult your tax advisor).

Volunteers are also needed to assist with the effort, both in the organization stage and at the hatchery.

If you are interested in helping out, please contact Steve Orndorf at 226-8717 or orndorfnapa@webtv.net.

Fall Turkey Adventure

Outdoor correspondent Matt Schwanebeck had an exciting adventure on last Saturday’s opener of the fall turkey season.

He and a buddy were in Sonoma County stalking a flock of turkeys, when they noticed something else stalking the birds — a fox.

They watched the ambitious little mammal sneak up on the flock just out of sight over the hill in front of them, heard a loud commotion of clucking and wing-flapping, then saw the disappointed fox scurry away with no breakfast.

Matt and his buddy fared much better when they caught up with the birds, as they bagged two big toms, one with a beard of 10 1/2 inches and the other a 9 1/2 -incher. Not a bad morning!

The fall season for turkeys is a short one — lasting only until Nov. 25.

The wild population is very strong and growing rapidly in the wine country. If you have access to a private ranch in the hills, or know the secret spots on public lands, you’ll have a great chance to take home a wild bird this Thanksgiving.

Guy Carl is a CPA and partner with Brotemarkle, Davis & Co. Accountants and Advisors in St. Helena.

Contact Guy at GC.outdoors@sbcglobal.net.