EXPLORE FISH / STEELHEAD
Of the eight kinds of steelhead in California, six saw an increase in concern level since 2008.
Steelhead are rainbow trout that go to sea — the same species (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on a different lifecycle, returning from the Pacific to spawn in the rivers where they were born.
California has eight genetically distinct steelhead populations, each shaped by the watersheds it returns to. Summer-run fish enter rivers in spring and hold in deep pools through the dry months before spawning. Winter-run fish arrive with the first big rains. All eight runs depend on intact migration corridors between ocean, estuary, and headwater — and all eight are listed as threatened or endangered under federal law.
8
DISTINCT STEELHEAD RUNS
6
INCREASED IN CONCERN LEVEL SINCE 2008
8
FEDERALLY LISTED (ESA)
2
STATE LISTED AS ENDANGERED
HOW THEY SCORED
Steelhead · SOS II,
2017
Average score for each distinct population.
Lower means greater extinction risk.
5 = best, 0 = extinct.
Source · State of the Salmonids II (CalTrout / UC Davis, 2017).
NATIVE RUNS
Explore Steelhead
Each run is a distinct population of Oncorhynchus mykiss — the same species as the rainbow trout, but ocean-going. Select a run to learn more.
-
CRITICAL
Southern Steelhead
Point Conception to the Mexico border. Listed as endangered federally — and, since 2023, under CESA.
Learn more →: Southern Steelhead -
HIGH
Northern California Winter Steelhead
Federally listed as threatened. The largest of California’s winter-run populations by river miles.
Learn more →: Northern California Winter Steelhead -
CRITICAL
South-Central California Coast Steelhead
From Pajaro south to Point Conception. Listed as threatened under the federal ESA.
Learn more →: South-Central California Coast Steelhead -
MODERATE
Klamath Mountains Province Winter Steelhead
Larger population than summer run. Post-dam-removal recovery work is now reconnecting historic habitat.
Learn more →: Klamath Mountains Province Winter Steelhead -
CRITICAL
Northern California Summer Steelhead
Eel, Mattole, and Mad River basins. One of the most endangered steelhead runs in the state.
Learn more →: Northern California Summer Steelhead -
CRITICAL
Klamath Mountains Province Summer Steelhead
Returns to rivers in spring or summer, holds in deep pools, and spawns the following winter.
Learn more →: Klamath Mountains Province Summer Steelhead -
MODERATE
Central Valley Steelhead
Sacramento and San Joaquin tributaries. Reliant on cold-water releases from upstream dams.
Learn more →: Central Valley Steelhead -
HIGH
Central California Coast Steelhead
From the Russian River to the Pajaro. Listed as threatened under the federal ESA since 1997.
Learn more →: Central California Coast Steelhead
Support WILD FISH
Wild fish cannot help themselves — they need us and they need you.
Nearly half of our fish are likely to be extinct within 50 years if current trends continue, and when fish collapse it means our water systems are at risk too. We can all play a role in protecting California’s wild fish and our state’s water future.