Steelhead and Rainbow Trout are the same species, but Rainbows are freshwater only, and Steelhead are anadromous, or go to sea. Unlike most salmon, Steelhead can survive spawning, and can spawn in multiple years.

Steelhead has two runs, a summer run and a winter run. Most summer runs are east of the Cascades, and enter streams in summer to reach the spawning grounds by the following spring. A few western Washington rivers also have established runs of summer Steelhead. Winter runs spawn closer to the ocean, and require less travel time.

The flesh of this fish is delicate in nature but still oily. Unlike its salmon counterparts, wild steelhead is lighter in color with a lighter “pink hue” versus a “red” appearance of salmon varieties.