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Steelhead

Steelhead

Steelhead in Wisconsin are lake-run rainbow trout that live most of their adult lives in Lake Michigan or Lake Superior before returning to tributary streams to spawn.

These fish are not native to Wisconsin but have adapted well to Great Lakes life since introduction in the 1870s.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss

Also known as lake-run rainbow trout

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adult steelhead typically range 16-30 inches and 2-16 pounds, with the state record being 27 pounds from Lake Michigan.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Live most of their adult lives in Lake Michigan or Lake Superior before returning to tributary streams to spawn.
  • They are found in depths less than 35 feet during their lake-dwelling phase.
  • Lake Superior steelhead are primarily wild fish that reproduce naturally.

Key Locations

  • Popular Lake Michigan tributaries include the Root River (Racine), Milwaukee River, Sheboygan River, Manitowoc River, East and West Twin Rivers, Kewaunee River, and Ahnapee River.
  • The Bois Brule River is Lake Superior's premier steelhead stream.
  • Wisconsin's steelhead fishery extends from Kenosha to Marinette on Lake Michigan and includes major tributaries like the Root River, Milwaukee River, Sheboygan River, Kewaunee River, and Brule River on Lake Superior.

Specific Spots

  • Key locations include deeper pools, tailouts, current breaks behind rocks, and thermal fronts on the Great Lakes.

Steelhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spawn bags, single e.g.g patterns, beads (pink, orange, chartreuse), stonefly nymphs, caddis larvae, and minnow patterns in white with bright accents. Hardware like spoons, spinners, and Kwikfish work well in warmer water above 45°F.

How do you catch Steelhead in Wisconsin?

Float fishing with centerpin or spinning reels in 3-13 feet of water. In colder water below 40°F, switch to slower presentations with spawn and beads. Hardware works well in warmer water above 45°F.

What do Steelhead eat?

They feed on small fish like alewives and smelt, insects, crayfish, zooplankton, and terrestrial insects.

Where do Steelhead live in Wisconsin?

Live most of their adult lives in Lake Michigan or Lake Superior before returning to tributary streams to spawn. They are found in depths less than 35 feet during their lake-dwelling phase. Lake Superior steelhead are primarily wild fish that reproduce naturally.

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