Trabuco Creek Trout Must Have Been Planted

Re “Endangered Steelhead Trout Likely Making a Comeback in O.C. Stream,” Dec. 24:

Steelhead trout in Trabuco Creek? Not a chance. I have lived in Orange County for 40 years and used to hike and explore the area in Trabuco Canyon where the creek originates. Many years there is absolutely no water in that creek. There may have been a few mudholes with brackish water in them, but no fish -- just flies and a tadpole or two dining on the mosquito larvae. If steelhead were found, they were planted, as I understand they were 8- to 10-inch-long fingerlings. I don’t think so!

I really believe that what’s behind this is the 1,400 new homes that are on track to be built and the freeway widening that is planned.

John L. Stuart

Costa Mesa