Not sure if you have caught a steelhead or a rainbow trout? Learn how to tell the difference with our guide below!
Quick Reference of the Differences BetweenSteelhead and Rainbow Trout
| Feature | Steelhead | Rainbow Trout |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Anadromous (live in the ocean, spawn in freshwater) | Freshwater (primarily streams, rivers, and lakes) |
| Size | Larger, typically 5–12 lbs (can exceed 20 lbs) | Smaller, typically 1–5 lbs |
| Coloration | More silver with a streamlined body; lighter pink stripe | Brightly colored with a vivid pink stripe |
| Life Cycle | Migrate to the ocean and return to spawn | Live entirely in freshwater |
| Tail Shape | Forked tail, more angular | Slightly rounded tail |
| Behavior | Stronger swimmers, more aggressive | Less aggressive, easier to catch |
| Diet | Larger prey, including crustaceans and fish | Aquatic insects, smaller prey |
| Geographic Range | Coastal regions (Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes) | Widespread in freshwater worldwide |
| Growth Rate | Faster growth due to nutrient-rich ocean diets | Slower growth in freshwater environments |
| Flesh Flavor | Richer, oilier flesh | Mild, less oily |
| Longevity | 4–6 years | 5–7 years |
Steelhead vs. Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout and steelhead are identical species, but their lifestyles set them apart.
Steelhead
Born in fresh water and remain there up until they can hunt on their own. They then migrate to the ocean where they feed heavily during the summer months. When the steelhead reaches maturity, it will migrate back to the same river it was born in to spawn. Steelhead do differ from salmon as they do not die after they spawn, they will return multiple times to the same river.
Rainbow Trout
Spend their whole life in freshwater rivers and lakes. They will live and spawn in the same body of water.
Steelhead and Rainbow Trout Color Differences
One of the most noticeable distinctions between steelhead and rainbow trout lies in their appearance. Rainbow trout boasts a vibrant array of colors including almost always having a pink line and visible spots. The hallmark of a rainbow trout is the noticeable spots throughout the body of the fish.
Steelhead, on the other hand, are a silver color when in the ocean or great lakes. They do not show color until they migrate up a river in the fall/spring. Shortly after migrating up a river, the steeelhead will show colors similar to a rainbow trout.
Rainbow and Steelhead Size Difference
Adult rainbow trout and steelhead exhibit considerable size variations. Steelhead can grow much larger than rainbow trout, this is due to their migratory pattern and feed habits. When a steelhead migrates to the ocean the main goal is to feed. Surrounded by endless food and open water, they will grow as big as 30 lbs. Steelhead also have a torpedo look to them.
Rainbow trout feed also, but only in the body of water they live. They are limited to their surroundings. If the body of water is small, expect smaller fish. If a rainbow trout lives in a lake or large river they can sometimes get as large as a steelhead. Rainbow trout also have a more round shape to them.
What do Rainbow Trout and Steelhead Eat
Rainbow trout and steelhead are opportunistic feeders with diverse diets. In their early stages, they consume zooplankton. As they mature, their culinary preferences expand to include fish eggs, small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, and even the occasional mouse. In areas with abundant aquatic vegetation, rainbow trout enjoy feasting on arthropods that fall into the water. Steelhead are more predatory than rainbow trout. When steelhead migrate to open water, they feed heavily on bait fish. They will spend their whole time in open water chasing schools of bait. The larger the steelhead gets, the larger the baitfish they can eat.
The Life Cycle of a Steelhead
Steelhead adapt to different water because they migrate. Some populations of rainbow trout remain loyal to their home streams throughout their lives. In contrast, steelhead migrate to the sea and return to their natal streams to spawn. Female steelhead dig depressions called “redds” in gravelly stream riffles to lay their eggs, which are then fertilized by the males. The eggs are buried in the gravel and remain there until they hatch.
Unlike salmon, which perish after spawning, steelhead can spawn multiple times, returning to the ocean and migrating upstream repeatedly. Some offspring of two steelhead can choose to stay in freshwater and become resident trout, while the offspring of resident rainbow trout can become steelhead. Their lifespan ranges from four to six years in the wild. Remarkably, the oldest rainbow trout on record was estimated to be 11 years old.
Hopefully, this guide will help you on the water. Knowing the difference between a Steelhead and a Rainbow Trout can help you in gear, bait, and tackle selection.