Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus)

Body Type: The sea-run form of Rainbow Trout — one of the most prized and powerful gamefish in North America. Fresh-run Steelhead from saltwater are bright silver with a faint pink lateral stripe and black spots on the back and tail. After time in freshwater, they develop deeper color — darker back, vivid pink stripe, and darker spots. Built like a muscular torpedo with exceptional strength.

Freshwater — Preferred Temperature: 38°F–52°F. Most active during winter and spring runs in cold water. Summer-run Steelhead are caught in warmer conditions (55°F–65°F) in tailwaters.

Freshwater — Habitat: Major coastal and Columbia Basin rivers of the Pacific Northwest. Winter-run fish enter rivers from November through March; summer-run fish enter June through September. They hold in deep pools, tailouts, and current seams. Classic holding water includes deep, slow slots next to fast current.

Freshwater — Best Lures: Drift fishing with a pencil lead and corky/yarn combination is the most widely used technique. Large spinners (Blue Fox, Mepps Aglia) in silver or bright colors produce excellent results. Side-drifting with plugs (Kwikfish, Flatfish) is effective in higher water. Fly fishing with Spey rods and large swung flies is the pinnacle of the sport — classic patterns include the Egg Sucking Leech, Green Butt Skunk, and Winter's Hope.

Freshwater — Best Baits: Cured salmon roe (eggs) in clusters or single eggs are the premier natural bait. Sand shrimp (ghost shrimp) produce outstanding results. Nightcrawlers on a drift rig work well. Cured tuna belly produces fish in many rivers. Prawn tails are excellent, especially for summer Steelhead.

Saltwater — Preferred Temperature: 48°F–58°F in nearshore Pacific waters. Staging near river mouths in late fall and early winter.

Saltwater — Oceans & Range: Pacific Ocean from Central California north to Alaska. Anadromous — spend 1–4 years in the North Pacific Ocean before returning to natal rivers. Most Pacific Northwest rivers from the Eel River in California north to Alaska host runs.

Saltwater — Best Lures: Large spoons and spinners near river mouths produce staging fish. Hoochies and squid rigs trolled near river mouths in fall catch pre-run fish. Jigging with large blade baits produces.

Saltwater — Best Baits: Cut herring near river mouths produces staging Steelhead. Whole fresh herring trolled slowly is effective. Anchovies and sand lance work well near estuaries.

Size & Weight: Average returning Steelhead run 6–12 lbs. Trophy fish exceed 20 lbs. World record: 42 lbs 2 oz from Bell Island, Alaska. Summer-run fish average slightly smaller than winter-run fish.

Top 5 Places to Catch Steelhead: 1. Clearwater River, Idaho — legendary B-run Steelhead to 16+ lbs 2. Rogue River, Oregon — iconic summer and winter runs 3. Deschutes River, Oregon — world-famous swinging fly destination 4. Kenai River, Alaska — trophy Steelhead in remote setting 5. Skeena River, British Columbia — arguably the world's finest Steelhead river