Steelhead Trout Will Put up a Fight, But They're Worth It
Steelhead trout are the sea-going cousin of the Rainbow Trout and are similarly known for putting up a hard fight. The average length of this variety of trout is 20-30 inches. The body of a steelhead trout is similar to that of a rainbow trout with a somewhat compressed and rounded snout and a large mouth. They both have colors that range from steel-blue, blue-green, yellow-green to almost brown and most all have a number of small black spots, although steelhead trout tend to be more silvery.
While steelhead trout are a saltwater fish, the interesting thing is that they are born in freshwater streams and migrate to the ocean as they grow older, usually after one to three years in the stream. These trout will then spend three to four growing seasons in the ocean before they migrate back to the stream to spawn. Unlike salmon, steelhead trout do not necessarily die after spawning and may spawn more than once.
Another interesting fact about steelhead trout is that they can opt not to travel to the ocean if their access is blocked. They then become their freshwater counterpart, the rainbow trout. Similarly, if food sources are limited, rainbow trout may decide to travel to the ocean.
Steelhead trout are most commonly found in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They have also been introduced into New Zealand, Australia, South America, Africa, Japan, southern Asia, Europe and Hawaii. The life expectancy of the steelhead trout is generally about six to eight years. They first feed on plankton when young, then move onto insects, crustaceans and other fish as they grow older.
The flesh of the steelhead trout is usually a bright, rich red in smaller trout and pink to white in larger steelhead trout. The steelhead trout is rated one of the top five sport fish in North America because of the hard fight they put up. Many anglers tell legendary tales of the epic conditions of landing a hooked steelhead in a fast, rocky river in winter.
We've compiled a list of sites below that give more information about steelhead trout. You're sure to find just what you need to be able to land a steelhead trout the next time the opportunity presents itself.
