FINFISH SPECIES
STEELHEAD TROUT
Introduction
In 2003, Canada produced 1,150 tonnes of Steelhead Trout valued at C$6.3 million. Farmed Steelhead trout reach market size when they weigh between 1 and 3 kilograms. Steelhead trout are raised in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Basic description
Over time, there has been a lot of discussion about whether a steelhead is a salmon or a trout. Today it is widely accepted that the steelhead is a rainbow trout with a different life cycle. Steelhead trout,
Oncorhynchus mykiss, is raised in seawater. In the wild, rainbow trout migrate to saltwater from freshwater streams, but return to freshwater to spawn when they are mature.
These finfish are natives to the west coast and are a relative of the west coast salmon. Steelhead trout are noted for their small heads and square tail. They are characterized by a silvery sheen and their coloring ranges from bluish to yellow-green, brown or black. Their bodies are slim or "torpedo" shaped. The flesh pink and has a mild, delicate and sweet taste.
Background
The fish are grown in net-pens in saltwater. They are placed in the pens in spring (April-May) and grow to market size, which takes between six and nine months. Harvesting is between September and December.
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