Where can I catch Steelhead?
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Illustration by Steven Schalla, FlyFishingtheSierra.com, used with permission

Steelhead are sea-run, Coastal Rainbow trout which return to spawn after 2-3 years at sea (and typically 1 year as a smolt living in freshwater).  They are genetically identical to resident rainbows.   Steelhead that migrate to the ocean develop a slimmer profile, become more silvery in color, and typically grow much larger than the rainbow trout that remain in fresh water.

Note that due to the ambiguity in identification, many states consider any rainbow trout caught above a certain size as “steelhead” (typically 16”).  Sea-run Redband Trout are also called Steelhead and migrate along some of the same rivers.