Fish ID
Steelhead
Sea-run rainbow trout that returns to Central Valley rivers to spawn. Fresh fish are bright chrome and darken toward rainbow coloring the longer they are in fresh water.
Key ID marks
- Chrome sides with faint pink band
- Black spots on back and tail
- Square-ish tail
Mouth ID
White mouth and white gums; small teeth along both jaws.
Typical size
4–12 lb typical
Best season
Fall through spring runs
Where
Rivers below the dams: Sacramento, American, Feather, Mokelumne, Stanislaus
Look-alikes
King salmon (black gums), resident rainbow (more color).
Fish & Game notes
Report card required. Wild (adipose fin intact) steelhead must be released; only hatchery fish with a clipped adipose fin may be kept. Check CDFW for river-specific limits.
Current CDFW regulations →