Fly Fishing

Keith · Posted: Sun 12/31/06 3:15 pm Post subject: Steelhead vs. Rainbow Trout?

I've been a bit puzzled by recent discussions (F&F East) about distinguishing between steelhead and rainbow trout in the great lakes region. I'm no expert, but I 've read a bit about Oncorhynchus mykiss and my understanding is that steelhead and rainbow trout are genetically identical. The only difference is that steelhead are anadromous in their native range. Well, there is a difference between coastal rainbow trout steelhead and redband rainbow trout steelhead, but that is a different story.

I've read that steelhead were introduced to the great lakes in the late 1800's from Mcloud River CA strain fish. Over the years these steelhead of the great lakes took on a pseudo-anadromous (potamodromous) life cycle moving between the great lakes and their tributaries. So, I guess I'm confused at the distinction between steelhead and rainbows in the great lakes. The only way I can see to distinguish them is by life cycle where "rainbow trout" spend all of their life in the tributaries and do not venture out to the lakes.

What are other's thought on this topic? I'm not all that familiar with great lakes tributaries and their ability to grow large trout. But, I would assume any "large" mykiss is a steelhead.

Any Thoughts?

AvidDavid · Location: Long Island, NY

I've got to say that this has bothered me for a while, too. But, I am sure that we are not alone. I have seen discussions of this on several other sites and in books.

Of course if you catch a large rainbow in the ocean, I guess you know the answer. Then it gets trickier in the Great Lakes. But all the fish that our friends have been catching have been in tributaries of the Great Lakes. If you catch the fish in the tributary, how do you know if it was ever in the Lake?

But then maybe the real point is that if you catch a fish that big on a fly it is way cool regardless of the specifics of its past hangouts!

Boone · Posted: Tue 01/09/07 10:32 am Post subject:

i know in Onterio they call steel rainbows and draw little distinction with the exception that one resides in a stream the other comes in to do it's bidding and heads for deeper waters!
boone