Steelhead are very popular to fish for in California. They can be found in many of the rivers in Northern and Central California, and can be fished for all year round. The popularity of these trout has gotten many populations in trouble over the years, and California has strictly enforced regulations on which fish can be kept and about reporting your catch. If done right, steelhead fishing in California can be a relaxing way to enjoy nature and can end in a wonderful dinner afterward.
Steelhead trout are olive colored and speckled on top and silvery-white on their bellies. They will also have a red or pink stripe on their sides. The steelhead found in rivers are known as rainbow trout and are smaller than the steelhead that end up in the ocean. The largest can be up to 55 pounds and 45 inches long. They do best in fast-moving, well-oxygenated rivers but can survive in a variety of environments, both freshwater and saltwater.
California has a large river system, especially in Northern California, and each river has steelhead fishing in it. The best fishing is where the rivers meet the ocean, but each has a best time of year for fishing for steelhead. For instance, the Eel and American rivers are great for catching winter steelhead, while the Klamath River is known for steelhead fishing in the summer.
The entire California coastline has a Mediterranean climate, staying in the 50s and 60s most of the year, so steelhead fishing can be done in California all year-round. The time of year depends more on the particular river that you will be fishing in, since the fish migrate to different places at different times of the year.
Because of major conservation efforts for the steelhead in California, there are a few requirements that all fishermen must follow. If you are steelhead fishing in California, you need a nontransferable Steelhead Trout Catch Report Restoration Card. This is specific to rainbow trout more than 16 inches long. The card must be filled out with the date that you fished and the amount of fish you caught, and it must be turned in to the Department of California Fish and Game. You may only keep hatchery steelhead in California, which can be identified by a missing adipose fin on the top of their tail. If this fin is present, you must release the fish because it is a wild steelhead Trout.
Fishing guides and charters are available in most steelhead fishing areas. The larger guide companies will offer trips on several of the rivers. Popular locations to find guide services are on the Trinity River, the Klamath River and the Sacramento River. The guides will take you to the best fishing spots along the river and give you tips about how to catch the fish. They will also be familiar with the guidelines that are necessary to follow when fishing for steelhead in California.
