steelhead

noun steel·head \ ˈstēl-ˌhed \

|Updated on: 15 Aug 2018

Definition of steelhead

plural steelhead also steelheads

: an anadromous rainbow trout — called also steelhead trout

Recent Examples of steelhead from the Web

As sea lion populations have increased, so have their forays into the Columbia in pursuit of salmon, steelhead and sturgeon heading up river to spawn.

— ryan sabalow, sacbee, "To protect salmon in the Columbia, will we have to kill more sea lions?," 6 July 2018
Of special interest to the winter fishery, the DNR's share included 820,954 brown trout and 432,665 steelhead.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Wisconsin's Lake Michigan harbors host world-class ice fishing for trout," 13 Jan. 2018
Bridge Creek produced nearly three times more fish than a nearby control stream, and its young steelhead were 52% more likely to survive, the researchers reported in 2016 in Scientific Reports.

— ben goldfarb, Science | AAAS, "Beaver dams without beavers? Artificial logjams are a popular but controversial restoration tool," 7 June 2018
The long rod arched and throbbed as a steelhead thrashed to the surface.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Centerpin gear is gaining fans for tributary fishing," 24 Mar. 2018
The kelp grows on a floating farm, along with mussels and pens full of steelhead trout.

— gary dzen, BostonGlobe.com, "A seaweed beer brewed in N.H.," 24 June 2018
Extensive stream restoration helps create habitat for coho salmon and steelhead.

— harriot manley, SFChronicle.com, "Favorite escapes for Northern California’s eco-minded congressman," 21 June 2018
Lake Erie walleye were being caught on Western Lake Erie's near-shore reefs yesterday and some of the Northeast Ohio steelhead trout streams should be in action this weekend.

— d'arcy egan, cleveland.com, "Fishing Report for April 20: Fish biting again despite dingy waters," 20 Apr. 2018
Oregon and Washington will open summer steelhead fishing Wednesday on the Columbia River from the Interstate 5 bridge downriver to Buoy 10.

— bill monroe, OregonLive.com, "Columbia River spring chinook salmon run prediction downgraded," 21 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'steelhead.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of steelhead

circa 1882

in the meaning defined above

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