Little Butano Creek Fish Passage and Habitat Enhancement Project

The Little Butano Creek Fish Passage and Habitat Enhancement Project is restoring creek habitat and improving migration access. It supports native fish like coho salmon and steelhead by improving their ability to reach upstream habitat – something they haven’t been able to do for decades.

The main challenge is a 15-foot-tall rock barrier in the creek. It was created decades ago as the creek was straightened to make room for roads, buildings, and fields. Over time, this caused the stream to erode and cut down into the landscape, forming a tall drop that fish can’t swim past. Today, that rock barrier marks the end of the line for migrating fish.

What the Project Will Do
To help restore fish access and creek health, the project will reshape this section of the creek and enhance surrounding habitat. These changes will:

• Reconnect 2.7 miles of upstream creek so fish can reach high-quality habitat for spawning and rearing
• Improve over 3 acres of stream and wetland habitat, benefiting fish and other wildlife
• Create more places for fish to rest, shelter, and survive during dry periods
• Support long-term recovery of native species and improve the overall health of the watershed

This project builds on decades of restoration efforts in the watershed and is a key step in helping fish populations recover while making the creek more resilient for the future.

Funders
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
NOAA Restoration Center
California Department of Water Resources

Construction Schedule
June – October 2025

Project Contact
Amy Kaeser, amy@sanmateoRCD.org