Steelhead
The sea-run form of rainbow trout, migrating to the ocean and back like a salmon, and one of Washington and New York's most sought-after gamefish.
- Scientific name
- Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Family
- Salmonidae
- Adult size
- Typically 24–30 inches, 6–12 pounds — noticeably larger than resident rainbow trout of the same age.
Identification
Silvery and streamlined at sea, more elongated than resident rainbow trout, with a faint pink stripe that becomes more pronounced as spawning nears.
Habitat
Ocean-going in Washington's coastal rivers; New York's Great Lakes tributaries support a similar 'lake-run' version that migrates from Lake Ontario and Lake Erie instead of the ocean.
Diet
Fish, insects, and crustaceans at sea or in the Great Lakes; opportunistic feeding during river migration.
Angling
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Conservation
Several West Coast steelhead populations are ESA-listed; status varies by watershed.
Where Steelhead is stocked
When Steelhead is stocked
Top Steelhead waters
Cowlitz River
Lewis County · 5 species · 2642 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lewis River North Fork
Cowlitz County · 4 species · 1360 records
Last stocked June 2026
Baker Lake
Whatcom County · 4 species · 922 records
Last stocked May 2026
Big Soos Creek
King County · 3 species · 804 records
Last stocked July 2026
Kalama River
3 species · 728 records
Last stocked April 2026
Fork Creek
Pacific County · 4 species · 561 records
Last stocked June 2026
Battle Ground Lake
Clark County · 4 species · 546 records
Last stocked May 2026
Washougal River
Clark County · 3 species · 545 records
Last stocked June 2026
Wenatchee River
Chelan County · 4 species · 533 records
Last stocked April 2026
Issaquah Creek
King County · 4 species · 520 records
Last stocked May 2026
Klickitat River
Klickitat County · 4 species · 463 records
Last stocked April 2026
Chambers Creek
Pierce County · 4 species · 459 records
Last stocked May 2026
Blue Lake
Columbia County · 2 species · 439 records
Last stocked June 2026
Rock Lake
Whitman County · 3 species · 433 records
Last stocked May 2026
Baker Lake
Whatcom County · 4 species · 432 records
Last stocked March 2026
Fallert Creek
3 species · 424 records
Last stocked June 2026
Sol Duc River
Clallam County · 3 species · 407 records
Last stocked June 2026
Banks Lake
Grant County · 7 species · 407 records
Last stocked April 2026
Wynoochee River
Grays Harbor County · 3 species · 397 records
Last stocked April 2026
Blue Creek
4 species · 387 records
Last stocked April 2026
Genesee River
Monroe County · 6 species · 378 records
Last stocked May 2026
Rainbow Lake
Columbia County · 2 species · 375 records
Last stocked June 2026
Rowland Lake
Klickitat County · 4 species · 375 records
Last stocked June 2026
American Lake
Pierce County · 5 species · 369 records
Last stocked June 2026
Frequently asked
Where is Steelhead stocked?
Steelhead is stocked in 423 waters across 2 states: Washington, New York.
When is Steelhead stocked?
Steelhead is typically stocked in spring, most often in April, based on records across every state that stocks it.
How many Steelhead are stocked?
About 127,707,310,224,162,740 Steelhead have been stocked on record since 1995, across New York, Washington.
What size Steelhead are stocked?
Stocked Steelhead average about 5.0 inches, based on sizes reported by New York — not every state reports sizes.
What does a Steelhead look like?
Silvery and streamlined at sea, more elongated than resident rainbow trout, with a faint pink stripe that becomes more pronounced as spawning nears.