Steelhead Trout
Steelhead, which are sea-run rainbows, do not have the red strip along the side until they have spent several days to weeks in freshwater. The back and upper half of the fish has many small black spots which may extend into the lower half of the fish. The dorsal and caudal fins are densely covered with black spots. Body coloration is highly variable depending on size, locality, and sexual maturity. Ordinarily the top of head, back, and upper half of the sides are dark blue to greenish or brownish. The lower half is somewhat silvery and the belly silvery white.
Steelhead are easily one of the most sought after sport fish in North America let alone southeast Alaska. They are amazing fighters which often leap. The flesh has an excellent flavor and is pink in color. They hit both flies and lures. Steelhead are generally harvested in streams as they return to spawn. The record steelhead taken by an angler in southeast Alaska was 42 lbs. from Bell Island near Ketchikan.
Please see 1996 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations for special regulations pertaining to steelhead. Due to the small run sizes of most streams anglers should practice catch and release techniques.
