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Steelhead trout
Oncorynchus mykiss

Also known as steelhead-salmon, salmon-trout or hardhead.

The steelhead trout is a rainbow trout that spends part of its life in the Pacific Ocean. It has the same general appearance as other rainbow trout. The two kinds have different numbers of scales, and migratory patterns.

Over decades there has been a lot of arguement about whether a steelhead is a salmon or a trout. Today it is widely accepted that the steelhead is a rainbow trout with a different life cycle.

In general, steelhead trout have small heads with well-developed teeth on the roof of their mouth, and no teeth at the base of their tongue. They have an adipose fin and black spots on their back, sides and fins. Steelhead trout are very silvery fish at sea, and become pink or red on their sides once they enter the rivers. The adults have torpedo shaped bodies. When they are spawning the male’s jaw gets longer and develops a knob on the tip.

Where do steelhead trout live?

Steelhead are found in coastal areas from California to Alaska. They spend part of their lives in rivers and part of their lives in the Pacific Ocean. Steelhead are very important to BC’s sport’s fishery.

Young steelhead like to eat small insects like the mayfly and caddis fly. At sea, they often eat small fish and squid.

What is the life cycle of the steelhead trout?

Steelhead trout spawn in the spring, in clean river gravel with swift water flowing over it. Eggs hatch after about four to seven weeks, and the tiny fish live in the river for one to five years before going out to sea. Small fish will start to move downstream towards the ocean in May and spread out in the salt water. The steelhead may spend only a few months in the ocean before returning up river to spawn, or they may spend up to four years. Not all steelhead die after spawning like salmon do. Some actually return up river to spawn again. Steelhead trout usually do not live more than nine years.

There are two different migratory types of steelhead – known as summer-run and winter-run. Summer-run steelhead return to the rivers between spring and fall before they become adults. They mature in the rivers and lay their eggs in the next spring. Winter-run steelhead are adults when they return to the rivers, so spawn shortly after returning.

Did you know that … The largest steelhead ever caught weighed more than 20 kg! .

Food for thought . . . steelhead trout numbers have reduced dramatically in recent years. Can you think of some reasons why this is?

Link of interest … www.wild-trout.co.uk