Steelhead Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Protected Status
Central California Coast DPS
Lower Columbia River DPS
Middle Columbia River
Northern California DPS
Puget Sound DPS
Snake River Basin DPS
South-Central California Coast DPS
Upper Columbia River DPS
Upper Willamette River DPS
Quick Facts

Male and female steelhead trout. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
About the Species

Male and female steelhead trout. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Steelhead trout are a unique species. Individuals develop differently depending on their environment. All wild steelhead trout hatch in gravel-bottomed, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated rivers and streams. Some stay in fresh water all their lives and are called rainbow trout. Steelhead trout that migrate to the ocean typically grow larger than the ones that stay in freshwater. They then return to freshwater to spawn. Steelhead trout are vulnerable to many stressors and threats including blocked access to spawning grounds and habitat degradation caused by dams and culverts.
One distinct population segment is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and 10 DPS and 1 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.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Osteichthyes | Order | Salmoniformes | Family | Salmonidae | Genus | Oncorhynchus | Species | Oncorhynchus mykiss |
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Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/09/2023
Featured News


In the Spotlight
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/09/2023
Management Overview
Throughout the West Coast, 11 species of steelhead are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The West Coast Region works with its partners to protect, conserve, and recover steelhead by addressing the threats these animals face and by restoring the habitat on which they depend.
Steelhead Distinct Population Segments
- Puget Sound steelhead
- Upper Columbia River steelhead
- Snake River Basin steelhead
- Middle Columbia River steelhead
- Upper Willamette River steelhead
- Lower Columbia River steelhead
- Northern California Coast steelhead
- California Central Valley steelhead
- Central California Coast steelhead
- South Central California Coast steelhead
- Southern California Coast Steelhead
Recovery Planning and Implementation
Species Recovery Contacts
Central California Coast Steelhead DPS
- Erin Seghesio, Recovery Coordinator
Central Valley Steelhead DPS
- Brian Ellrott, Recovery Coordinator
Northern California Coast Steelhead DPS
- Erin Seghesio, Recovery Coordinator
- Julie Weeder, Recovery Coordinator
Key Actions and Documents
Calaveras River Habitat Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/09/2023
Science Overview
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/09/2023
Documents
2023 5-Year Review: Summary & Evaluation of Southern California Steelhead
Five-year reviews describe whether recovery is on track in the context of the recovery plan,…
2023 5-Year Review: Summary & Evaluation of South-Central California Coast Steelhead
Five-year reviews describe whether recovery is on track in the context of the recovery plan,…
2022 5-Year Review: Summary & Evaluation of Lower Columbia River Chinook Salmon, Columbia River Chum Salmon, Lower Columbia River Coho Salmon, and Lower Columbia River Steelhead
Five-year reviews describe whether recovery is on track in the context of the recovery plan,…
2022 5-Year Review: Summary & Evaluation of Middle Columbia River Steelhead
Five-year reviews describe whether recovery is on track in the context of the recovery plan,…
Data & Maps
Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund Database
The Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) database serves as a project and performance…
Recovery Action Database
Tracks the implementation of recovery actions from Endangered Species Act (ESA) recovery plans.
Outreach & Education
¡Cuento con usted! edición trucha cabeza de acero (en español)
Aprenda qué es lo que la trucha cabeza de acero necesita para vivir y cómo puede hacer la…
I'm Counting on You! Steelhead Brochure
Learn about the threats facing steelhead and what you can do to help.
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/09/2023