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Steelhead World
Record
~ 42 Lbs. 2 oz. Caught in Alaska in 1970 Scientific
name
~ Oncorhynchus Mykiss Other
names
~ Steelie, Steelhead trout, Sea run Raindow Identification
~ Steelhead have a slender ,
streamlined body. Young steelhead are brightly colored with tints of
red, green-yellow, orange and gold. As they mature they more closely
resemble the Atlantic salmon in structure and appearance with heavier
spotting. Steehead differ from other Pacific salmon in having a shorter
anal fin containing less than 12 supporting rays. When in the sea the
body is mainly silvery with a blue back. At spawning time, a band of red
color develops along each side of the body. Steelhead were at one time
considered a trout species but have been discovered by biologists to be
more closely related to Pacific salmon than other trout. The fresh water
variant of steelhead is known as rainbow trout.Unlike most other Pacific
salmon, some steelhead individuals live to spawn more than once. Size
~ Most angler caught Steelhead are from 5 to 12 pounds but Steelhead
over 15 Lbs. And 20 to 30 inches are caught with some regularity. Habitat
~ Steelhead trout can be found from southern California to the Alaska
panhandle, with major spawning grounds centered between Oregon and
northern BC in coastal rivers and streams as well as tributaries to
major river systems. It has also been introduced into New Zealand,
Australia, South America, Africa, Japan, southern Asia, Europe and
Hawaii. Feeding
Habits
~ As juvenile fish in their native streams and rivers they feed on
insects, insect larvae, and small fish. Once in the ocean Steelhead feed
on squid, crustaceans, and small fish. A legendary fighter, the
steelhead is aggressive and is known to defend its territory when in
rivers and streams.
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