Steelhead Salmon

The steelhead salmon is actually an anadromous subspecies of the coastal rainbow trout. They both spawn in the same waters, but the steelhead migrates to the ocean, growing to an average of 20 pounds (9 kg), whereas the coastal rainbow trout remains in its freshwater environs and grows to about 1 lb (453 grams).

Despite its close relation to coastal rainbow trout, the steelhead is always referred to as a salmon. It is the only salmon that does not die after spawning, returning to the ocean after laying and fertilizing its eggs. Approximately 10 to 20 percent return to spawn a second time, with some spawning up to four times during their lifetime.