COMMON MARINE FISHES 37 



Figure lu Photo by D. H. Fry, Jr. 



STEELHEAD RAINBOW TROUT 

 Sa/mo gairdnerii 



Relationship: A member of the salmon and trout family, Salmonidae. One of 

 a closely related group of trouts the natural relationships of which have been greatly 

 obscured in the course of fish cultural operations. Some individuals riin to sea while 

 others appear to form resident stream populations. 



Distinguishing Characters: The presence of an adipose fin; the single doi'sal 

 fin composed of soft rays ; the scaly appendage above the base of each ventral fin ; a 

 patch of teeth at the tip of the tongue but none on the back of the tongue ; the 

 relatively short anal fin with 9 to 12, rarely 13, rays (the last ray is often branched at 

 the base but is counted as one) ; the white lining of the mouth. The salmons have 13 

 (rarely 12) or more anal rays and as adults at least some dark patches in the mouth. 

 Reaches a maximum weight of about 30 pounds, though specimens of 20 pounds are 

 rare and the average fish runs under 10 pounds. Color: At sea, steel blue above with 

 bright silvery sides, usually with definite black spots on the head, body and unpaired 

 fins. Gradually assumes the coloration of a stream rainbow trout after entering fresh 

 water. 



Distribution: From Alaska south at least to the Mexican border. Enters prac- 

 tically all suitable California coastal streams to spawn (the steelhead, unlike the 

 Pacific salmons, does not die after spawning). 



Fishing Season: Illegal to take commercially. Consult fish and game regulations 

 for the sport season, which varies in different parts of the State. 



Importance: A highly esteemed game fish, but not sought to any extent in the 

 ocean. Steelhead caught commercially in other states may be sold in California subject 

 to the rules of the Fish and Game Commission. 



Fishing Gear: Hook and line with various baits and lures. 



Unauthorized Names: Salmon trout, half pounder, summer salmon, hardhead. 



CUTTHROAT TROUT 



This species, Salnio clarkii, also has a sea run form, which is not as widely 

 distributed in California as is the steelhead rainbow. It is found in many of our inland 

 waters but occurs in the ocean only ofi: the northern part of the State, entering the 

 streams of Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. The cutthroat usually but not always 

 has a red dash under each side of the lower jaw and has teeth on the back of the 

 tongue as well as at its tip. 



