Native trout and steelhead live in the peninsula’s creeks. Rainbow trout are either resident—living in fresh water throughout their entire life span—or anadromous—migrating to the ocean to mature and returning to fresh water to spawn. Those that are anadromous are called steelhead.
The central California coast steelhead is a threatened species. This status is largely the result of degraded water quality and habitat barriers, such as dams that block passage, stream diversions, and drought conditions.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission staff perform year-round stream and lake surveys to monitor and assess the health of local steelhead populations.
Gently touch the steelhead model.
The top of the fish, its dorsal side, is dark colored like the ocean. Its belly, the ventral side, is shimmering silver like the surface of the water.
Can you find its nostrils?
A fish uses them for smelling, not breathing. This becomes critical when a steelhead is finding its way to its natal stream.
Can you find the plate that covers the gills?
Gills enable a fish to get oxygen from the water that flows through their mouths.
How many sets of fins does this fish have?
Steelhead have six sets of fins, most serving a specific function to help the fish swim. The tail fin, or caudal fin, pushes the fish forward, while the pectoral fins near the gill plate and pelvic fins on the belly help the fish turn and balance.