More than 1,200 adult spring-run Chinook salmon meant to return to the San Joaquin River ended up in the Tuolumne River instead, prompting a five-part rescue operation. The fish were originally released as part of the San Joaquin River Restoration Program. But cooler, cleaner water and improved habitat conditions on the Tuolumne appeared to draw the fish off course, according to officials from the Turlock Irrigation District (TID). … The salmon became trapped below the historic La Grange Diversion Dam after spring flows receded, isolating them in a plunge pool with limited oxygen and rising temperatures. … Officials say the salmon were likely drawn to the Tuolumne due to restoration work already underway. 

Other salmon news:

• SFGate: First salmon in nearly 100 years found in Northern California river
• Daily Kos: Blog: The Winnemem Wintu tribe welcomes 80,000 salmon eggs to McCloud River this summer
• Turtle Island Restoration Network: Blog: 2025 salmon delight!​