Identification

• Steelhead wear a bright silvery skin that starts to darken on their return to the natal stream. A red or pink stripe runs along the length. Steelhead that remain in fresh water are called rainbow trout. Lifespan ranges from six to seven years.
  
  

Habitat

• Migratory steelhead return from the ocean to spawn in their natal river or tributary stream in fast-moving water. They also linger in pools that range in depth from two to ten feet. As heavy rains swell the rivers with muddier water, the fish have a safer trip.
  
  

Great Lakes

• The Great Lakes, home to transplanted steelhead, provide one of the world's key self-sustaining populations. Lake Superior, on the Canadian side, has 100-percent wild fish. Lake Huron populations suffer if a hot summer and drought decrease water volume and increase fry mortality.
  
  

Behavior

• After spawning in spring, they return to the deeper water of the Great Lakes. Steelhead are cautious fish that seek shelter from bright sunshine under banks and fallen trees. Diet in summer includes baitfish, minnows and sculpins.
  
  

Techniques

• For streams, move upstream and cast upstream while under cover of trees and bushes. By turning over rocks and observing insects and crustaceans that are prey, you can select a similar presentation to the real bait.
  
  The Great Lakes have breakwalls and piers that offer fishing sites. Be prepared to bring a 12-foot landing net, along with a floating line and a long leader, or a sinking line and intermediate line. Steelhead can grow to 55 pounds, although that is unusual.