Clear Lake hitch spotted spawning in Cole Creek during community survey

We counted about 50 Clear Lake hitch in Cole Creek on March 10 during a community survey for the county. The spawning run kicked off around the same time, which is great to see after years of channel problems.

It's been an unusually hot and dry winter, with temperatures hitting 95 degrees. Yesterday actually set the record for California's hottest winter day ever. The Green Acres culvert, which has needed emergency clearing in past years, has been flowing this season. The drainage combined with the high temperatures has led to the water receding much quicker this year.