Jim Asmus, foreground, Tim Hovey, in white cap, and John OBrien stop at San Mateo Creek (Don Kelsen / LAT)
California Fish and Game biologist Tim Hovey snorkels in Devil Canyon Creek, looking for southern steelhead, an endangered fish once so common anglers could take home 50 a day. (Don Kelsen / LAT)
Tim Hovey leads John OBrien and Jim Asmus into Devil Canyon. (Don Kelsen / LAT)