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Fishing with the Stars
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The Marathon Mercury
Marathon's fishing opportun...
What's in a name?
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Castlegar Nets the Big One
Castlegar casts its line to...
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Cambridge Bay reels in
national fishing show
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The Sportsman Channel
magazine January 2007 edition
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Dimestore Fishermen show
wraps up Miramichi shoot
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Dimestore Fishermen back in
town to shine spotlight on local
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Dimestore Fishermen get TV...
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Fishers of Networks
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| Scientific Name |
anadomous |
| Alternative Names |
Steelhead-Salmon, Salmon-Trout, Hardhead |
| Distribution |
Saltwater Steelhead distribution will vary based upon water temperatures. |
| Size |
Similar to fresh water Rainbow Trout but the sea run fish tend to be in the larger sizes and weights. |
| Habitat |
All Rainbows appear to have the ability to become anadromous (sea-run) fish if conditions are appropriate for this behaviour. The steelhead is a rainbow trout that spends some time in fresh water, moves into saltwater and returns to fresh water to spawn.
At sea, Steelhead feed primarily on fish, squid and amphipods. |
| What do they Look Like? |
The steelhead has the same general appearance as a standard rainbow trout, especially when young. The adult will have a more torpedo-like and streamlined body shape than a fresh water rainbow. The jaw on a male will be lengthened when he is mature and will form a knob on the tip similar to Pacific salmon.
When fresh from saltwater, they are usually bright and silvery. As they get closer to spawning a red or pink lateral line appears that extends over the gill covers. The fish will then gradually darken to a dull grey or brownish colour. |
| Life Cycle |
As with fresh water Rainbow, spawning occurs in the spring and in the same water conditions. Steelhead do not all die after they spawn, many will return to the sea and some will spawn a second time.
Water temperature and food availability determines the length of time spent in fresh water. The time is usually between one to five years,
Migration down-stream occurs in May and the fish disperse offshore immediately after entering salt water.
The time in salt water varies from a few months to four years. Steelhead rarely live past nine years. |
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