Steelhead Trout

(Onchorhyncus mykiss)

Steelhead trout are remarkable in their ability to adapt to fluctuations in stream flows, sediment input and water temperatures, enabling them to survive despite the occurrence of temporarily unfavorable conditions. Southern steelhead have evolved behavior patterns that permit them to compensate for the fluctuations in Southern California coastal streams and rivers. While they will return to their natal (stream of birth) stream to spawn, they can utilize other streams when the natal stream is not available (i.e., sand bar not breached, lack of water). Also, steelhead can become resident trout if water conditions preclude them from migrating to the ocean.

Endangered Status
The southern steelhead was listed as endangered by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 1997. The southern steelhead Endangered Species Unit extends from San Luis Obispo County to Malibu Creek, Los Angeles County. On July 1, 2002 the southern boundary will be extended all the way to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Life Cycle
Like other salmonids, steelhead must leave the ocean and enter freshwater to spawn. Starting with the winter rains, steelhead will enter the large coastal streams, making their way to good habitat (abundance of gravel, clean, well oxygenated water, abundance of insects) in smaller creeks and tributaries. The female deposits her eggs in a small depression in the gravel, where the male fertilizes them. After 100 days or so, the small fish (called “fry”) move from the depression into the shallow, slow margins of the stream. As the young fish grow, they move into deeper waters such riffles, runs, and pools, where they have to watch for predators such as raccoons, herons, kingfishers, gulls and crows. Typically steelhead will remain in freshwater for 1 to 4 years before migrating to the sea. If water conditions are right, and the proper cues are received, the young steelhead will move downstream to the estuary where they will remain for a period of time before beginning their oceanic phase.

Restoring Steelhead to Southern California
The key to restoring steelhead to southern California is to provide adequate flows of cool, clean water in our coastal streams, restore habitat on a watershed scale and provide access to historical spawning and rearing areas. This is easier said then done. However, private citizens as well as state and local government are working hard to make this happen. Citizens help through active participation in volunteer stream monitoring and local watershed organizations. City, county and state agencies are working to improve habitat through riparian restoration projects, bank stabilization projects, and finding creative solutions to steelhead barriers. In addition, Southern Californians are voting for initiatives that are good for our communities and the environment.

Want To Know More?
A Guide to California’s Freshwater Fishes. Bob Madgic. Naturegraph Publishers.1999
Field Guide to the Pacific Salmon: including salmon-watching in Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. Robert Steelquist. Sasquatch Books. 1992.
Inland Fishes of California. Peter B. Moyle. University of California Press. 2002.
Steelhead Restoration and Management Plan for California. Dennis McEwan and Terry Jackson. California Department of Fish and Game. 1996.