Mill, Deer, and Antelope Creeks − Flow Recommendations

The State Water Board received a letter from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) submitting instream flow recommendations to inform a long-term flow-setting process to support anadromous salmonids and year-round ecological stream function on Mill, Deer, and Antelope Creeks. Mill, Deer, and Antelope Creeks are tributaries to the Sacramento River and provide aquatic habitat for several native fish species including Chinook salmon (spring-run, fall-run, and late fall-run), Steelhead, and Pacific Lamprey. These creeks are particularly important for spring-run Chinook salmon and Steelhead, both of which are state and/or federally listed as endangered species. Fall- and late fall-run Chinook salmon, and Pacific Lamprey are all identified as California Species of Concern.  Insufficient instream flow in Mill, Deer and Antelope Creeks has been identified by CDFW as a key stressor impacting the viability of spring-run Chinook salmon and Steelhead.  Low instream flow conditions in these creeks can impede or prevent migration during critical passage periods resulting in reduced ecological stream function and productivity.

State Water Board staff will review the recommendations that CDFW provided and their scientific basis in protecting beneficial uses. Materials produced from that review will be posted on this webpage when available.