Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous)
Steelhead are the anadromous form of rainbow trout, spending their juvenile years in freshwater rivers before migrating to the ocean where they grow rapidly and develop their characteristic chrome-bright coloring. Returning to their natal rivers to spawn, steelhead are prized as one of the most challenging and rewarding fly rod quarries in North America. Unlike Pacific salmon, steelhead are iteroparous, meaning they can survive spawning and return to the ocean to repeat the cycle multiple times. Fly fishing for steelhead demands patience, persistence, and refined technique, as these powerful fish can go hours or even days between takes. The classic approach uses a two-handed spey rod to swing wet flies through long runs and tailouts, though nymphing and indicator techniques are also highly effective. Landing a wild steelhead on a swung fly is considered by many to be the pinnacle of freshwater fly fishing achievement.
Order
Salmoniformes
Family
Salmonidae
Genus
Oncorhynchus
Species
O. mykiss
Large coastal rivers with deep runs, gravel tailouts, and boulder-strewn pools; ocean habitat includes nearshore and open ocean environments
Native Range: Pacific Coast drainages from Southern California north to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia
Introduced Range: Great Lakes tributaries, select rivers in the eastern United States, Chile, and Argentina
In the ocean: forage fish (herring, anchovies, smelt), squid, shrimp, and krill; in rivers during spawning runs: largely non-feeding but will strike flies out of aggression and territorial behavior
Steelhead spawn in gravel-bottomed rivers from late winter through spring. Winter-run fish return to rivers from November through April, while summer-run fish enter rivers from May through October but hold until conditions are right. Unlike salmon, steelhead can survive spawning and return to sea.
Spawning Months
Spawning Temperature: 42-52°F
The Steelhead is currently classified as Multiple Distinct Population Segments are listed as Threatened or Endangered under the ESA; wild runs throughout the Pacific Northwest have declined significantly. Responsible catch-and-release practices help protect populations for future generations of anglers.
Swinging flies on a spey rod through classic steelhead runs is the traditional and most rewarding approach. Fish the water methodically, taking a step downstream between each cast. Early morning, late evening, and overcast days tend to produce the most aggressive takes to a swung fly.
A 12 to 13-foot 7 or 8-weight spey rod is standard for swinging flies. For nymphing, a 10-foot 7-weight single-hand rod works well. Use stout 8-12 lb tippet.
Average Size
24-32 inches, 6-12 lbs
World Record
42 lbs 3 oz (Bell Island, Alaska, 1970)
