(Pacific) Steelhead Trout Fishing

Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are an important Pacific fishery. As a sportfish, Steelhead draw several 100's of thousands of Pacific anglers each year

Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) make an important Pacific fishery[A1]. As a sportfish, Steelhead draw several 100's of thousands of Pacific anglers each year age.

Steelhead Trout are a sea run variety of rainbow trout. Steelhead, as adults, migrate[A1,A2] from marine waters into the freshwater streams and rivers to mate. They typically grow much larger than the rainbow trout that remain in fresh water. Steelhead can reach up to 55 pounds in weight and 45 inches in length, though average size is much smaller. Sea run Steelhead develop a much more pointed head, become more silvery in color, and are larger than Rainbow.

Adult steelhead like fast, deep, running water[A1,A2.A3]. Actively fish the deep holes in a stream and any white water areas and behind rocks and log jams. Adults feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects, mollusks, crustaceans, fish eggs, minnows, and other small fishes (including other trout). Worms, natural or artificial salmon cluster eggs, diving plugs, spinners, brightly colored yarn, crayfish tails are all productive for Steelhead. Steelhead like colorful flies[A1,A2,A3] such as the Russian River coho, hair skyhomish, skyhomish sunrise, red rascal, and polar shrimp. They also like egg imitations.

Generally, west coast Salmonid species have experienced dramatic declines as a result of human-induced and natural factors. In recent years, several Steelhead fisheries have shown encouraging increases in population size while others have not. A variety of conservation efforts have been undertaken with some of the most common initiatives including hatchery raising, removal or modification of dams that obstruct migration, restoration of poor habitat and acquisition of other key habitat, and improved water quality and instream flow efforts. Use barbless hooks[A1} and practice catch-and-release[A1] whenever possible in a challenged fishery.