what is a delta smelt
Delta Smelt. The Delta Smelt is an endangered 3-inch fish that is found only in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The smeltâs tendency to swim near the State Water Project and Central Valley Project export pumps in the South Delta has complicated water deliveries to farmers and cities.he tiny fish, known as the delta smelt, has helped touch off some of the most cataclysmic battles in Californiaâs unending water wars. The tiny fish, known as the delta smelt, has helped touch off some of the most cataclysmic battles in Californiaâs unending water wars.