Markings

Whether from the ocean or the Great Lakes, steelheads are generally silvery in color while in open water. Their backs may be blue, gray, or tan. their bellies are white. Some may have a slight pink band along the lateral line and on the cheek cover. Varying amounts of black spotting is usually scattered along the back, sides, and tail.

After entering streams and as the spawning season arrives, the fish darken gradually to a purple or pewter hue and the stripe on the side can be a vivid red. Males, more highly colored than females, develop a pronounced hook on the lower jaw, called a kype.

The steelhead is often confused with the Pacific salmon. The easiest way to distinguish it from the five species of Pacific is to look in the mouth. Salmon will have black or some gray on the inside of the mouth, while steelhead have all-white mouths.

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