Steelhead and rainbow trout are the same species, but steelhead spend time both in the ocean and in rivers whereas rainbow trout spend their lives in freshwater only.

Steelhead trout usually return to their place of birth to spawn. Unlike other types of salmon and trout, steelhead can spawn multiple times.

Young Steelhead Trout primarily feed on zooplankton, while adult fish feed on waterborne and terrestrial insects, mollusks, crustaceans, fish eggs or other small fishes.

Steelheads have been recorded to live up to 11 years and reach nearly 60 pounds.

The San Lorenzo River used to be regarded as the most abundant river to find Steelhead trout in. Their numbers were significantly impacted through logging, limestone quarries, unregulated dams and pollution. Today there are many protections in place and their numbers are starting to slowly increase again.

Spawning steelhead were found in the tributary stream by highway 1, so part of the recent construction involved building a sound wall to protect this area.