Steelhead Trout

Also known as: Steelhead-salmon, salmon-trout and hardhead
B.C. record: The largest steelhead ever caught had an estimated weight of well over 20 kg (44 lbs).
Average size: 50 - 85 cm (19.7 - 33.5 in), 1.4 - 6.8 kg (3.1 - 15 lbs)

What they look like: A steelhead has the same general appearance as other rainbow trout, particularly when young. Adults have a more streamlined, torpedo-like body shape than resident rainbows. The male's jaw lengthens at maturity and forms a ‘kype' or knob on the tip, similar to Pacific salmon. When fresh from the sea, they are usually very bright and silvery. As they approach spawning a pink to red lateral line appears that extends over the gill covers. They then gradually darken to a dull grey or brown.

Where they live: Steelhead can be found in rivers and streams draining to the Pacific Ocean from southern California to the Alaska Peninsula. The exact distribution is controlled by cooler ocean temperatures, north of the 15°C isotherm. The steelhead is a rainbow trout that spends some of its youth in fresh water, migrates to the sea then returns to fresh water to spawn.

What they eat: Young steelhead eat invertebrates, crustaceans, and insects such as mayflies, caddis flies and black flies. They will also eat salmon eggs when available. At sea, they feed primarily on fish, squid and amphipods.

Find detailed information in the Ministry of Environment's Fish Facts Factsheets: > MORE INFO