Sea Lions Already at Rancho Cordova

I was just watching channel 3 News and they showed a sea lion already in the American near Rancho Cordova.
It's no wonder with an increase in water flows that some fish are heading upstream. I assume steelhead now. But it's a little early for striped bass to be coming up.

Later in the spring it's quite common for sea lions to follow the stripers as they migrate upstream. I've seen them as far up as Mosquito Beach in Yuba City, and Paradise Beach on the American.

The news was polite and said not to harass them, just enjoy watching the nature show.

What do you think they might be following?

Tony

Happens every year! I think some are residents that stay in the Sacramento River. I’ve seen them sleeping at night on docks along the Sacramento. They probably followed the salmon up and when flows went up on the American, chasing steelhead. They’ll make it to the hatchery some years.

I had a sea lion eat 2 steelhead right in front of me just below sunrise. Few years back.

Heard there were a lot of adult Steelhead in the Nimbus Fish Hatchery.

Years ago the commercial fisherman along the coast would shoot the Sea Lions.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bill Kiene semi-retired

Years ago the commercial fisherman along the coast would shoot the Sea Lions.

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That still happens. :) The evidence disappears quicker due to the increasing population of GWS.