Outdoors: Identifying a steelhead is tricky, but you can't keep 'em

By Carrie Wilson

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Question: I have been trying to decipher the wild steelhead regulations and the definition of anadromous waters. Based on what I've read, I believe a rainbow trout is considered a wild steelhead if it meets the following criteria: 1) is 16 inches in length or greater, 2) has an intact adipose fin, and 3) resides in anadromous waters (waters that somehow connect to the ocean). Is this accurate? Are there wild steelhead trout in non-anadromous waters?

Also, if I'm fishing in a body of water known to have wild trout, do I need to have a Steelhead Report Card in case I catch a rainbow that fits the steelhead description?

— Larry G.

Angler with a wild Klamath River Steelhead that was soon released. (DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME)

Answer: Steelhead are rainbow trout that have migrated out of fresh water as juveniles and spent some portion of their lives in the ocean before returning to fresh water to spawn. Terry Jackson, the Steelhead Program coordinator, says adult steelhead are usually at least 16 inches. It is not possible to be sure, however, if a large rainbow trout in anadromous waters has been to the ocean without examining a scale (fish scales can be "read" like tree rings) or an otolith (a bone in its head, which unfortunately requires sacrificing the fish), so this regulation reflects probabilities based on years of data.

Your basic wild steelhead definition is correct, and in most cases any wild steelhead caught must be immediately released. One exception is in the Smith River, where some harvest is legal (limits are one wild steelhead per day and five annually). In addition, harvest of hatchery steelhead (adipose fin-clipped) is allowed in many streams, so check your freshwater regulations for specific waters.

As to whether wild steelhead live in non-anadromous waters, for the purposes of the regulations and the Steelhead Report Card, the answer is no. Technically, some rainbow trout that originate in non-anadromous waters (such as above a dam without a ladder or falls) will occasionally escape and migrate downstream to the ocean. But when they return as adult steelhead, they remain in the anadromous portion of the stream.

Because the rainbow trout/steelhead matrix of potential life history from generation to generation is so complex, DFG designed Steelhead Report Cards to better understand and track steelhead. If an angler is fishing for steelhead or keeps an incidentally caught steelhead where harvest is allowed, then they must have a Steelhead Report Card and fill it out. If the angler is not fishing for steelhead and responsibly releases any incidentally caught steelhead, or if they are fishing in non-anadromous waters, a Steelhead Report Card is not required. More information on the program is at: www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Fishing/Monitoring/SHRC/index.asp

Q: I know that it is not legal to spotlight hunt, but what if I'm just out looking around in the dark with my vehicle's headlights on and I happen to have a rifle, shotgun or bow with me? Can I get in trouble for just looking around if I'm not even hunting?

A: Yes! It doesn't matter if you say you are not hunting; you can still be cited if:

1) You are throwing or casting the rays of any spotlight, headlight or other artificial light on any highway or in any field, woodland or forest where game mammals, fur-bearing mammals or nongame mammals are commonly found; and

2) You have in your possession or under your control any firearm or weapon with which those mammals can be killed, even if no mammals are killed, injured, shot at, or otherwise pursued.

Game warden DeWayne Little said it is not the game warden's responsibility to determine the intent of the person spotlighting. Unfortunately, too many deer are poached at night with the aid of artificial lights, so this regulation is strictly enforced statewide. Game warden pilots even fly night patrols specifically to locate spotlighters poaching wildlife at night.

If you want to view wildlife at night with lights, leave your guns and bows at home and be aware that if you are seen shining a light, you will be stopped and questioned about your activity. You should realize too that this stop might be done at gunpoint and your vehicle will be searched.

Wilson is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish & Game; send questions to caloutdoors@dfg.ca.gov