wild steelhead

Wild steelhead are a type of anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from freshwater rivers to the ocean and back to spawn. They are a naturally occurring, non-captive population of rainbow trout that undergo physiological changes during migration. These fish are prized by anglers for their size, strength, and surfacing behavior. Wild steelhead play a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems through their life cycle, and they are often considered indicators of river and ocean health. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and migration routes to ensure their populations remain sustainable.