Sacramento River Settlement Contractors’ Habitat Project Reveals Juvenile Salmon Using Rockwads

Early monitoring of the Rockwads Project is showing promising results, with juvenile salmon already using the rock-and-tree structures to rest, feed and find refuge as they move downstream.

Rockwads are built from large boulders and submerged trees to create slower water and more complex habitat for young salmon and steelhead in the Upper Sacramento River. The structures are designed to mimic natural features that have become limited in this stretch of river.

A total of 70 Rockwads have now been installed near key winter-run Chinook salmon spawning grounds in Redding, including the 25 new structures placed north of the Sundial Bridge in spring 2026.

Scientists will continue monitoring the sites using sonar and underwater video to better understand which salmon runs are using the structures and how they perform under different river flows and water temperatures. The findings will help guide future Rockwad projects along the Sacramento River.

As a Sacramento River Settlement Contract member, SMWC is working with our neighbor water districts and landowners to ensure long-term solutions that create opportunities for people, fish and wildlife to thrive.