TAHOE CITY, Calif. – As the highly anticipated reconstruction of Fanny Bridge gets underway, Thompson Builders is taking extra care to protect the local ecosystem, starting with the safe relocation of trout from the waters between the Lake Tahoe Dam and the temporary backdam.
To support this effort, Thompson Builders has teamed up with Trout Unlimited, Truckee, a local fly fishing club with a strong history of environmental stewardship. The group will assist with the fish relocation process beginning Friday, August 1. This partnership builds on similar efforts in 2019, when local volunteers and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stepped in to help rescue trout trapped behind the dam during a severe drought.
In preparation for construction, the water in this section of the Truckee River must be fully removed to create a dry work area. Since many of the trout are too large to thrive in shallower downstream waters, any fish over 18 inches will be relocated to Lake Tahoe, while the rest will be carefully released further downriver.
Following the volunteer-led effort on Friday, Thompson Builders will begin the water removal process the following week, working closely with on-site biologists to ensure any remaining fish are safely relocated.
This collaboration reflects the community’s shared commitment to balancing infrastructure improvements with environmental responsibility and highlights the power of local partnerships in preserving the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.