.Rainbow trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Common Names: rainbow, steelhead, silver trout

Rainbow trout and the many strains of steelhead are the same species of fish. The two names generally reflect their respective life cycles. Steelhead is applied to anadramous strains and rainbow is given to the more colorful full time stream residents. It seems that either form can change their preferences to take advantage of the most suitable available habitat. Unlike the Pacific salmon, steelhead do not necessarily die after spawning and may return to spawn again.

Fulltime stream resident rainbows are easily identified by a more intense coloration and a lateral reddish tint. The anadramous steelhead with it's gray green backand silver sides is  similar in coloration to other 10 - 15 pound lake run salmon/trout. It has numerous spots on it's back and dorsal fin; and, on both the top and bottom of the tail fin which has 10-11 anal rays.