Trout & Salmon
Steelhead
Oncorhynchus mykiss
BothSalmonidaeVaries depending on the specific population. Some populations are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
About
Steelhead are anadromous fish, meaning they are born in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to mature, and return to freshwater to spawn. They are a type of rainbow trout that exhibit this migratory behavior, and they are known for their strong fighting ability, making them a popular sport fish.
- Average size
- 20-30 inches, 5-20 lbs
- Colors
- Silvery sides, dark olive back, and a pink or red stripe along their lateral line. They often have black spots on their body and fins.
- Diet
- In freshwater, they eat insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish. In the ocean, they consume a variety of prey including crustaceans, squid, and other fish.
- Region
- Pacific Northwest, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. Some populations exist in Idaho and Montana.
