Other Common Names:

Coastal Rainbow Trout, Steelies

State Record:

35 pounds 1 ounce

Identifying Features:

Steelhead trout have a glowing steel-blue body with spots on the upper body. Their tail has radiating rows of black spots.

Typical Adult:

Length: Up to 34 inches
Weight: Up to 8 pounds (may reach 24 pounds)
Life span: Up to 11 years

Habitat:

Steelhead trout are anadromous fish, which means they inhabit the Pacific Ocean and Great Lakes area except during spawning season, when they move to rivers and streams. The preferred water temperature is 55-60 °F.

Feeding Behavior:

Steelhead trout feed on immature and adult insects, plankton, crustaceans, fish eggs, and small fish.

Reproductive Behavior (Spawning):

When: Spring
Preferred Water Temperature: 50-60 °F
Where: Steelhead trout spawn in large, swift, boulder-strewn streams at the gravelly tail of pool or riffle at the head of a pool.
How: The female digs several nest-like depressions called "redds" and deposits eggs in each one. The adults do not guard the eggs.

Did You Know:

A steelhead tagged in the Aleutian Islands was caught six months later in Washington, 2,400 miles from the tagging site.