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Steelhead

Steelhead

Steelhead are the anadromous form of rainbow trout and Washington's state fish. These fish are highly regarded game fish that can survive spawning and spawn multiple years, unlike most salmon.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss

Physical Characteristics:
  • Can weigh 30+ pounds but average 8-11 pounds, featuring dark spots scattered over their silver bodies with rainbow coloring.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Washington has five distinct population segments (DPS): Puget Sound, Olympic Peninsula, Southwest Washington, Lower Columbia River, Middle Columbia River, Upper Columbia River, and Snake River Basin.
  • Most summer runs occur east of the Cascades, while winter runs spawn closer to the ocean.
  • They prefer fast water in small-to-large mainstem rivers and medium-to-large tributaries.

Key Locations

  • Key Washington waters include the Skykomish, Skagit, Columbia, Snake, Cowlitz, Sol Duc, Calawah, Wynoochee, Methow, Wenatchee rivers, and numerous Puget Sound tributaries.
  • Prime locations include the Skykomish River (year-round fishing), Puget Sound tributaries like Stillaguamish and Snoqualmie, Olympic Peninsula rivers (Sol Duc, Calawah, Hoko), Columbia River system (Snake, Cowlitz, Methow, Wenatchee), and coastal rivers (Wynoochee, Chehalis system).

Specific Spots

  • Holding in deep pools, shallow tailouts, or calm pockets in rapids.
  • Target deep pools, tailouts, current seams, and structure like boulders and logs in 2-5 feet of walking-speed current.

Steelhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Steelhead in Washington?

Spawn bags, beads (especially in cold water), and jigs. Hardware like Yakima Mag Lip, Luhr Jensen Kwikfish, spoons, and spinners work well in warmer water when fish are aggressive. In water below 45°F, spawn, beads, or small jigs are most productive.

What flies work for Steelhead in Washington?

Green Butt Skunk, Purple Peril, Muddlers, String Leeches (tubes), Suskwa Poacher, HoBo Spey, Foxee Dog, and various marabou flies.

When is the best time to fish for Steelhead in Washington?

Washington steelhead fishing is best from August through January, with July-August peak for summer runs and December-January peak for winter runs. Steelhead have two runs: summer steelhead (entering rivers May-July, spawning December-January) and winter steelhead (entering October-November, spawning April-June).

How do you catch Steelhead in Washington?

For fly fishing, the wet fly swing technique is preferred - cast across current at 90 degrees, let the fly swing under tension, and work systematically downstream in 2-3 foot increments. For conventional tackle, drift fishing and float fishing presents baits naturally in the strike zone.

What do Steelhead eat?

Young steelhead predominantly feed on zooplankton, transitioning to hydropsychid larvae, chironomid pupae, baetid mayfly nymphs, and zooplankton (primarily daphniids). In the ocean, their diet consists of squid, crustaceans, and small fish including anchovies, herring, and sardines.

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