DISTRIBUTION:

They are native to western North America in areas north of Mexico as well as in Asia. They have been introduced to every country except Antarctica. They can be found in cold, clean bodies of water.

HABITS:

They can tolerate full strength sea water, steelhead migrate to the ocean and are referred to as “sea run rainbows”. The preferred temperature range is between 53-57oF. They are a carnivorous and aggressive fish. They feed on insects, small crustaceans, and small fish (can be cannibalistic).

SPAWNING:

These fish return to the area where they hatched to spawn. They migrate upstream to small river tributaries. Unlike salmon they may spawn multiple times through the years. Spawning often occurs in fall. Eggs are laid nests in the gravel. Eggs require a constant oxygen supply.

GROWTH:

They can grow to 16-30 inches long and 2-16 pounds. Steelhead may grow bigger and exceed 42 pounds. Can live for 11 years.

USES:

Trout are a popular food and sport fish. In Wisconsin 40,000 to 60,000 fish are caught per year from Lake Michigan.

PRODUCTION:

May be raised in ponds, raceways, or recirculation systems. Idaho is the leading US producer of trout. It is one of the leading fish produced in the US. The leading world producer is Chile (2010).

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