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Steelhead
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(Oncorhynchus mykiss) |
In the sea, steelhead appear bluish from above and silvery from below. However, the steelhead tends to be more greenish in freshwater. These fish are typically covered with small black spots on the back and most fins. They have been recorded growing up to 45 inches in length and 40 pounds in weight; although steelhead usually weigh less than 10 pounds.Spawning in streams and rivers, steelhead rear in freshwater for 1 to 4 years before migrating downstream through estuaries to the open ocean. Steelhead spend 1 to 5 years at sea before returning to natal streams or rivers. At least two specific stocks of steelhead have developed; those that enter fresh water during fall, winter and early spring -- The Winter Run -- and those that enter in spring, summer and early fall -- The Summer Run. Unlike salmon which die after spawning,steelhead may spawn several times, migrating individually (rather than in schools) through estuaries to the ocean.
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