Steelhead

Steelhead are a unique life-history type of rainbow trout. Individuals develop differently depending on their environment. All wild steelhead hatch in gravel-bottomed, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated rivers and streams. Those that stay in fresh water all their lives are called rainbow trout (nonanadromous). Steelhead (anadromous rainbow trout) that migrate to the ocean typically grow larger than the individuals that remain in freshwater. They then return to freshwater to spawn. Unlike most other Pacific salmonids (i.e., salmon and steelhead), steelhead are iteroparous, meaning they do not necessarily die after spawning (they can spawn more than once). After spawning, many steelhead return to the ocean and then back to freshwater in subsequent years to spawn again. Like other Pacific salmonids, steelhead are vulnerable to many stressors and threats including impediments or blockages for adults and juveniles to access appropriate habitat. Barriers range from improperly installed culverts at road crossings to dams of all sizes, including water diversions and large rim structures. In addition, various land use a ctivities can negatively impact processes and habitat conditions including water temperature, stream flow, and stream sediment conditions. 

Under the Endangered Species Act, one distinct population segment (DPS) is listed as endangered, while 10 DPSs and one experimental non-essential population are listed as threatened.

NOAA Fisheries is committed to conserving and protecting steelhead trout. Our scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study, learn more about, and protect this species.