Steelhead Trout

There are many similarities and differences when it come to steelhead trout vs salmon. Discussion topics such as size and appearance, cooking similarities, and types of lures. Steel head trout can also be referred to as steel head salmon. That is why the comparison of steelhead trout vs salmon always becomes a discussion between the avid and knowledgeable anglers,outdoors men and the health conscious chef at home or in the restaurant kitchen.

Steelhead trout’s average size and weight can range from 19.3 – 32.4 inches in length and 3-15 pounds in weight, were as a salmon can have an length 1-5 feet and weight in at about 3-109lbs depending of the species. The appearance difference between steel head trout vs salmon is that a steel head trout has a very narrow and torpedo like shape to the body. When these fish are ready to spawn the skin of the fish behind the gills become shinny and start to turn colours such as that of a rainbow. Hence the term “rainbow trout”. The appearance of a salmon varies drastic depending of the species of salmon. Types of salmon such as cherry salmon have red lines/stripes which are bright in colour. Other species such as Atlantic salmon have silver-blue colour and black spots. Steel head trout vs salmon share the same qualities of maintaining colour due to the fact that the fresh water habitat keeps there skin bright and healthy. Steelhead trout enjoy spending time in deep lakes during the summer and early spring and fall in rivers and waterways that have a lot of current. Steel head trout enjoy eating invertebrates and incest such as mayflies and black flies vs some salmon species witch only eat plankton such as sockeye. Mainly these two types of fish eat mostly the same diet.(invertebrates, and small incests) When available the steel head trout will eat salmon eggs. Therefore the use of salmon eggs in sport fishing for steel head trout is widely and repetitively used in catching this type of trout. The best time to catch steelhead is in the months of April and early May and not again till September and early to late October. As for salmon, the months of august for king (Chinook) and early September for pink salmon. Atlantic salmon usually run during the summer months.

Steelhead Trout vs Salmon Lures To Use 

Steelhead Trout- spinner lures, spawn bags and also red/orange spoons that symbolize spawn are used in catching Steelhead Trout.

Salmon- j-plugs, spoons are mainly the lure of choice when it come to catching any sort of salmon. Steelhead trout is much like salmon in colour, texture and taste. Both of these fish steelhead trout and salmon both act similarly in there habitat. Both fish go up river to spawn and both return to open water and lakes. Both the salmon and trout eat similar foods. This similarity gives the salmon and steelhead trout the pinkish look once you fillet and cook them. It is known that at restaurants customers can mistake steelhead trout as salmon and describe to the chef on how good it taste. Clearly disregarding the sign at the front of the restaurant that shows the special of steelhead trout.

The Fish

Steelhead trout undoubtedly are one of the most beautiful fish in the world. There attributes include small black dots generally located from the midpoint of the fish up, a pink coloured skin running from the gill to the tail and a white under body. Steelhead is a very feisty fish and tends to put up quite the fight when hooked. The fish can weigh anywhere between 1 and 30lbs with a length reaching up to 48inches. They have a short blunt jaw that they use to their advantage when being hooked, it is a good idea to always use sharp hooks when fishing for steelhead to maximize your chances of landing a fish. Unlike many other game fish steelhead do not die after spawning.

Annual Cycle

Throughout October and early November as well as early spring steelhead make what is called a spawn run. They are known to travel from deep waters such as lakes, larger rivers and oceans up stream through freshwater rivers, streams and creeks to spawn. Unlike salmon, steelheads usually migrate individually rather than in larger schools. After the spawning has taken its course the fish will eventually continue back down stream into larger bodies of water for the summer months.

Habitat

In larger lakes or rivers steelhead generally stay in deeper waters where the water is colder. Steelheads also like to feed by river and creek mouths. In smaller streams and creeks the steelhead tends to be found in small deep pools. Your best would be to try under waterfalls, under fallen trees that surface the water, before or after beaver damns and any deep dark pools throughout the body of the stream.

What They Feed On

Steelheads tend to feast on small insects, small crustaceans, and smaller fish such as minnows or smelts. When fishing for steelhead you have two options bait casting rod or fly rod. When the fish are located in deeper waters the rod of choice would be a bait casting rod but when they start coming upstream for their spawning cycles a fly rod can be very effective.

Lures and Bait

Bait Casting                                       Rod Fly Rod

*worms, wax worms                    *bright colour flies for darker deeper water

*Spawn                                               *natural colour flies for shallow clear water

*trout dough                                    *mimic insects and flies that are known to be in the area

*small meps                                      *traditional salmon streamers

*small spoons                                  *woolly bugger fly pattern

Consideration

Always respect nature and try to preserve its natural presence. Steelhead fishing can be a fun and rewarding experience but it is important to respect fishing laws and keep only regulation fish, taking home nothing more than your limit. It is ok to catch and release these fish as they do not die after spawning and tend to live a longer life cycle than many other species. For more information on fishing laws and regulations please visit or call your local MNR or Wildlife authorities.

Ingredients

* 2 pounds of trout fillets

* 2 cups of sour cream

* 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

* 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

* 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion

* 1 teaspoon of salt

* Pinch of Paprika

Directions

Put the fish into a greased shallow baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, sour cream, salt and onion; spread over top of the fish. Sprinkle on the paprika. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until personal preference is satisfied.

Ingredients

* 1.5 pound steelhead trout fillets

* 1/4 cup butter, melted

* 1 tablespoons lemon juice

* 1/8 teaspoon paprika

* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

* 1/4 cup barbeque sauce

Directions

1. Preheat the outdoor barbecue grill for and oil the grate.

2. Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil and place the trout filets accordingly. Combine the butter, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper together and whisk it to a liquid; brush the flavouring onto the fillets.

3. Cook on the grill until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 8 minutes; brush the fillets with the barbeque sauce; cook another 4 minutes.