Steelhead Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Protected Status
Quick Facts
About the Species
Steelhead trout are a unique species. Individuals develop differently depending on their environment. All wild steelhead trout hatch in gravel-bottomed, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated rivers and streams. Some stay in fresh water all their lives and are called rainbow trout. Steelhead trout that migrate to the ocean typically grow larger than the ones that stay in freshwater. They then return to freshwater to spawn. Steelhead trout are vulnerable to many stressors and threats including blocked access to spawning grounds and habitat degradation caused by dams and culverts.
One distinct population segment is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and 10 DPS and 1 experimental non-essential population are listed as threatened.
NOAA Fisheries is committed to conserving and protecting steelhead trout. Our scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study, learn more about, and protect this species.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Osteichthyes | Order | Salmoniformes | Family | Salmonidae | Genus | Oncorhynchus | Species | Oncorhynchus mykiss |
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Featured News
Management Overview
Throughout the West Coast, 11 species of steelhead are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The West Coast Region works with its partners to protect, conserve, and recover steelhead by addressing the threats these animals face and by restoring the habitat on which they depend.
Steelhead Distinct Population Segments
- Puget Sound steelhead
- Upper Columbia River steelhead
- Snake River Basin steelhead
- Middle Columbia River steelhead
- Upper Willamette River steelhead
- Lower Columbia River steelhead
- Northern California Coast steelhead
- California Central Valley steelhead
- Central California Coast steelhead
- South Central California Coast steelhead
- Southern California Coast Steelhead
Recovery Planning and Implementation
Species Recovery Contacts
Central California Coast Steelhead DPS
- Erin Seghesio, Recovery Coordinator
Central Valley Steelhead DPS
- Brian Ellrott, Recovery Coordinator
Northern California Coast Steelhead DPS
- Erin Seghesio, Recovery Coordinator
- Julie Weeder, Recovery Coordinator
Key Actions and Documents
Calaveras River Habitat Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment
Documents
2024 5-Year Review: Summary & Evaluation of Central California Coast Steelhead
Five-year reviews describe whether recovery is on track in the context of the recovery plan,…
2024 5-Year Review: Summary & Evaluation of California Central Valley Steelhead
Five-year reviews describe whether recovery is on track in the context of the recovery plan,…
Endangered Species Act Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion and Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Essential Fish Habitat Response for the Stibnite Gold Project
NMFS Consultation Number: WCRO-2023-02924
2024 5-Year Review: Summary & Evaluation of Northern California Steelhead
Five-year reviews describe whether recovery is on track in the context of the recovery plan,…
Research
California Salmonscape
From the Sierra Nevada to the Golden Gate, California is a salmon state. Discover the species, habitats, and human connections through art.
Outreach & Education
Central Valley Steelhead Brochure
What everyone should know about California Central Valley (CCV) steelhead
Salmonid Savers – Word Puzzles, Mazes, and Gamed About Saving Salmon and Steelhead
Through comics, word puzzles, and mazes, kids learn about the importance of salmonids (e.g., salmon…
¡Cuento con usted! edición trucha cabeza de acero (en español)
Aprenda qué es lo que la trucha cabeza de acero necesita para vivir y cómo puede hacer la…
I'm Counting on You! Steelhead Brochure
Learn about the threats facing steelhead and what you can do to help.