Feds To Temporarily Release More Water Into Sac River To Boost Habitat For Migrating Salmon

Good news for migrating salmon as they leave Central Valley rivers for their journey to the Pacific Ocean? Here’s more from the Sacramento Bee on a possible lifeline in the form of more water being released:

The Bureau of Reclamation announced Tuesday that it will temporarily release more water from Keswick Dam into the Sacramento River to help juvenile Chinook salmon safely make their journey to the ocean.

The move came about two weeks after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released more than 6.2 million young salmon from Coleman Hatchery into Battle Creek, prompting conservationists to urge the agency to increase dam-releases into Sacramento River that’s facing low flows.

Here’s also the Bureau of Reclamation’s press release:

Reclamation announces Sacramento River spring pulse flow

Public urged to take safety precautions during increased river flows

For Release: Apr 7, 2026

The Sacramento River (Photo courtesy of Bureau of Reclamation)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation, in coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, today announced the planned schedule for a spring pulse flow release from Keswick Dam into the Sacramento River. Reclamation worked with state, federal, and local agencies, and Tribes to develop a Pulse Flow Study Plan. 

Pulse flows are rapid increases and decreases in dam-released flows, typically occurring over the course of 4-7 days. This pulse flow is designed to improve survival rates for juvenile Chinook salmon as they migrate to the ocean. Spring-run Chinook salmon juveniles often face the most challenging outmigration conditions due to their later migration timing. Sacramento River pulse flows in April and May are expected to provide the greatest benefit to this portion of the Chinook salmon population. The timing may also benefit juvenile fall-run Chinook salmon recently released from Coleman National Fish Hatchery. 

Pulse flow releases from Keswick Dam into the Sacramento River will target flow rates of approximately 11,000 cubic feet per second at Wilkins Slough. This pulse flow is scheduled to begin around April 8, with peak Keswick releases near 10,000 cfs. Releases from Keswick Dam will vary to shape pulse flow conditions.  

During these elevated releases, river levels will rise, and currents will be fast and cold. Members of the public are strongly urged to exercise caution and follow all appropriate safety measures when near or on the river. 

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation’s largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits.